Pope Leo XIV once again issued a call for peace in the Middle East, urging an end to the war and a resumption of dialogue, AFP reports.

"Dear brothers and sisters, for two weeks the peoples of the Middle East have been suffering from the monstrous violence of war," the pontiff said during the weekly Angelus prayer at the Vatican.

"Thousands of innocent people have been killed, and countless others have been forced to leave their homes. I affirm my closeness to all those who have lost their loved ones in attacks on schools, hospitals, and residential areas," he added.

According to the Pope, the situation in Lebanon was a particular cause for concern.

"On behalf of the Christians of the Middle East and all women and men of goodwill, I appeal to those who bear responsibility for this conflict. Cease fire! Let the paths of dialogue be opened again! Violence will never lead to the justice, stability, and peace that people are waiting for," he stated.