Vatican City:Pope Leo XIV has called on people around the world to pray for peace and to reject violence, as tensions continue in the Middle East.
Pope made the brief remarks while speaking to journalists in Castel Gandolfo as he left Villa Barberini, where he had spent part of the day resting and working. When asked about the situation in the region, including the presence of a United States naval strike group in the Persian Gulf, he said prayer and dialogue were essential.
He said that ordinary people can raise their voices and work for peaceful solutions instead of violence. He added that dialogue must always be chosen to resolve conflicts.
Pope also linked his appeal to Holocaust Remembrance Day, which is observed on January 27. He said the day should remind the world of the need to stand firmly against hatred.
Earlier in the day, Pope Leo repeated this message on his official X account. He said people must fight against all forms of antisemitism and remember the suffering caused by the Shoah.
His words were a renewed call for peace, respect and unity at a time of growing global tension.