Pope Francis called for an immediate ceasefire and the start of dialogue in the Middle East to stop the escalating violence in a speech following Sunday’s Regina Coeli.

The pontiff highlighted the growing tensions in Israel after recent actions by Iran, expressing concern for the situation which could lead to a wider conflict.

The Pope emphasized the need to avoid actions that could worsen the violence, urging nations to advocate for peace and support the establishment of two sovereign states, Israel and Palestine, living peacefully side by side. 

“It is their deep and legitimate desire, and it is their right! Two neighboring states,” he said

Pope Francis described the situation in Gaza as a humanitarian catastrophe and called for all parties to pursue negotiation determinedly. 

He made a plea for the release of hostages held in the region for months, highlighting the need to reduce the suffering of the Gazan population.

Pope Francis also addressed other global conflicts affecting children, including in Ukraine, Myanmar, and the regions of Israel and Palestine. He renewed his prayers for them and called on the global community to pray for peace.

“So much suffering! Let us pray for peace. No more war, no more attacks, no more violence! Yes to dialogue and yes to peace!” he said.