Speaking to those gathered in St. Peter’s Square, the Pope said he continued to “follow with concern the situation in the Middle East, as well as in other Regions of the world devastated by war and violence.”

“We cannot remain silent before the suffering of so many people, the helpless victims of these conflicts,” the Pope declared.

“I firmly renew my call to persist in prayer, so that hostilities may cease and paths of peace may finally open, based on sincere dialogue and full respect for the dignity of every human person,” he said.

The Pope’s appeal comes amid the ongoing US-Israeli-led war on Iran, as leaders debate the terms of a possible ceasefire.