Ankara: Pope Leo on Tuesday renewed his call for a ceasefire and urged authorities to pursue peace through dialogue, warning of rising hatred, violence, and deaths, Vatican News reported: Pope Leo addressed journalists in Castel Gandolfo, Italy, emphasizing the need for dialogue over weapons to achieve peace.

According to Anadolu Agency, the pontiff highlighted the increasing hatred and worsening violence, with more than a million people isolated and many fatalities reported. He urged authorities to seek resolutions through dialogue and expressed his desire for prayers for peace.

In his Angelus address on Sunday, the pope expressed concern over conflicts in the Middle East and other war-affected regions. He emphasized the importance of speaking out against the suffering of defenseless individuals caught in these conflicts.

The pope described the ongoing wars as a scandal for humanity, urging for continued prayers to cease hostilities and promote peace through sincere dialogue and respect for human dignity.

The call for peace comes amid a turbulent period for the region, following a US-Israel joint offensive on Iran launched on Feb. 28. This conflict has resulted in over 1,300 deaths, including that of then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. In retaliation, Iran has conducted drone and missile strikes against Israel and other countries in the region, affecting infrastructure and global markets.