Pope Leo, the leader of the Catholic Church, described the ongoing war in the Middle East as “a shame for all humanity” and renewed his call for an immediate ceasefire. Speaking during his weekly Angelus prayer at St. Peter’s Square in Rome, he said he is observing the situation in the Middle East and other violence-stricken regions with deep concern.

The American-born pontiff emphasized that humanity cannot remain silent in the face of so much suffering. He said the pain of the helpless victims of the conflict is a source of sorrow for all humankind. His remarks were reported by Al Jazeera.

Pope Leo further urged people to continue praying so that hostilities may end and the path to peace can be opened.