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		</div><p>Pope Francis has demanded &#8220;urgent&#8221; action to protect civilians in Iraq, saying forces involved in the battle for Mosul have an obligation to protect innocents following a recent spike in civilian casualties.<br />
Francis issued a special appeal for peace in Iraq at the end of his general audience.</p>
<p>He greeted an interfaith group of Iraqis on hand in St Peter&#8217;s Square, encouraging them in helping Iraq find reconciliation among various ethnic and religious groups.</p>
<p>Francis said that he was particularly concerned about Iraqis trapped by recent fighting to take Mosul back from Islamic State group militants.</p>
<p>&#8220;In expressing profound sadness for the victims of the bloody conflict, I renew my appeal that everyone commit themselves to using all efforts to protect civilians, an imperative and urgent obligation,&#8221; he said.</p>
<p>The UN human rights office has called on the US-led coalition conducting airstrikes on Mosul to minimise civilian casualties, saying at least 300 people have been killed since mid-February including 140 from a single March 17 airstrike incident on a house.</p>
<p>The UN says IS militants are using human shields and setting a trap for the coalition.</p>
<p>Amnesty International has said the rising civilian death toll suggested the US-led coalition was not taking adequate precautions as it helps Iraqi forces try to retake the city, though the US has denied any loosening of the rules of combat.</p>
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