VATICAN CITY - In a heartfelt appeal to the global community, Pope Francis has called for urgent mediation between Azerbaijan and Armenia, as tens of thousands of Armenians seek refuge amidst the turmoil in the contested enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh.

The pontiff offered his prayers for the victims of a devastating explosion in the city of Stepanakert, which further deepened the humanitarian crisis in the region.

During his Sunday Angelus address, Pope Francis expressed his deep concern for the displaced Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh and reiterated his plea for political dialogue between the two conflicting nations.

He stated, "I renew my call for dialogue between Azerbaijan and Armenia, hoping that the talks, with the support of the international community, will pave the way for a lasting agreement that can bring an end to this humanitarian catastrophe."

The recent lightning offensive led by Azerbaijan in Nagorno-Karabakh has forced a mass exodus of Armenian residents, as Baku ordered the region's Armenian fighters to disarm, and conflicting leaders eventually signed a ceasefire agreement.

According to Armenian authorities, over 100,000 people have fled to Armenia from Nagorno-Karabakh, representing more than 80 percent of the enclave's Armenian population. This conflict has plagued the region for three decades, with both sides accusing each other of attacks, massacres, and other atrocities.

Adding to the tragedy, in December 2022, Azerbaijan blocked the Lachin Corridor, the sole road connecting Nagorno-Karabakh to Armenia, alleging that it was being used for illicit weapons shipments to the region's "separatist" forces.

Pope Francis also extended his prayers to the victims of a tragic explosion in Stepanakert, the de facto capital of the Armenian community in Nagorno-Karabakh. He said, "I assure you of my prayers for the victims of an explosion in a fuel depot near the town of Stepanakert."

The blast, which occurred on the evening of September 25, claimed the lives of at least 170 people, while hospitals grapple with treating 290 injured individuals.

The explosion exacerbated the already dire shortage of medical supplies due to the December blockade, prompting the evacuation of some injured individuals by Armenian helicopters. The exact cause of the explosion remains under investigation.