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Pope Leo reiterated the importance of global peace on Sunday, urging world leaders to “persevere on the path of dialogue, encounter and diplomacy.” Speaking on Sea Sunday, the Pope explored the challenges faced by sailors, fishermen and port workers: “[who] marked by separation from their loved ones and sometimes by fear of the conflicts [that] occur on the seas, sustain trade and the lives of many people through their patient and quiet labour."

Currently based at Castel Gandolfo, the centuries old summer residence of the popes just outside Rome, the Holy Father highlighted the current conflict in the Middle East - where tensions have flared again following the collapse of hopes for a US-Iran agreement - and expressed concern over the war between Russia and Ukraine, marked by the intense attacks in recent days on Kharkiv, Dnipro, Kyiv and Odesa.

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"The winds of war are blowing once again in the Middle East, in Ukraine and in many other parts of the world, sowing violence, terror and death, and once again affecting many innocent people," he said.

"Let us not allow these winds to extinguish the flame of hope and peace, even when it seems fragile and flickering. I renew my hope that we will persevere on the path of dialogue, encounter and diplomacy. This is the only path capable of leading to a just and lasting peace, in which people can live in reconciliation, mutual security and respect for the dignity of every person."

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Source: Vatican News