In a brief but forceful address to journalists waiting for him at the gates of Villa Barberini, Pope Leo XIV renewed his strong appeal for an end to the violence in the various conflicts shaking the world.

“ Ceasefire . Let us work for peace, but not with weapons, but with sincere dialogue, seeking a just solution for all,” the Pope stated clearly during his usual day of rest and work at the summer residence.

The Holy Father expressed his deep concern about the escalation of international violence. “Every day hatred increases and the violence becomes more cruel,” he denounced. “More than a million people are isolated, and numerous innocent deaths are being recorded. We cannot remain indifferent.”

Leo XIV especially invited political authorities and leaders of nations to assume their responsibility: “I urge you to work truly, honestly and through dialogue, to solve the problems that afflict so many peoples.”

Tonight’s message follows the one he delivered last Sunday during the Angelus prayer from the window of the Apostolic Palace. On that occasion, the Pope expressed his “dismay” at the situation in the Middle East and other war-torn regions of the world.

“We cannot remain silent in the face of the suffering of so many innocent people, defenseless victims of these conflicts,” he said at the time. “What hurts one hurts all of humanity. The death and pain caused by these wars are a scandal to the human family and a cry that reaches God.”

The Bishop of Rome insisted on the need to persevere in prayer and to open “paths of peace based on sincere dialogue and respect for the dignity of every human person.”