Pope appeals for ceasefire, peace through dialogue

Source: Vatican Media

Pope Leo XIV issued a brief statement to journalists in Castel Gandolfo today, renewing his appeal to "work for peace, not with weapons," and denouncing the rise in hatred, violence, and death.

He said: "I wish to renew the appeal for a ceasefire, to work for peace, but not with weapons-with dialogue, truly seeking a solution for everyone."

Describing the international situation, the Pope said, "Hatred is increasing, violence keeps getting worse, more than a million people are isolated, and there are so many dead."

"We want to pray for peace, but I urge all authorities to truly work through dialogue to resolve problems," the Pope said.

In his Angelus address on Sunday, Pope Leo XIV had expressed his "dismay" at the situation in the Middle East and in other regions of the world "torn apart by war and violence."

"We cannot remain silent in the face of the suffering of so many defenceless people who are victims of these conflicts," the Pope said on that occasion. "What hurts them hurts all of humanity. The death and pain caused by these wars is a scandal for the entire human family and a cry that rises to God!"

Pope Leo continued: "I strongly renew my appeal to persevere in prayer, so that hostilities may cease and paths to peace may finally open up, based on sincere dialogue and respect for the dignity of every human person."