Pope Francis issues urgent call to break the spiral of violence in the Middle East

(Patria) - Pope Francis on Sunday issued an "urgent appeal" to break the "spiral of violence that risks dragging the Middle East into an even larger conflict" following Iran's attack on Israel.

"I urgently call for a halt to any action that could fuel a spiral of violence, which might drag the Middle East into an even larger conflict," he said at the end of the traditional Sunday prayer in St. Peter's Square.

"With prayer, but also with a sense of concern and pain, I am following the news arriving in recent hours about the worsening situation in Israel due to Iran's intervention," the Holy Father told the faithful from the window of the Apostolic Palace overlooking the famous square surrounded by Bernini's colonnade.

"No one should threaten the existence of others, but all countries must stand on the side of peace and help Israelis and Palestinians to live in two states, side by side. That is their right," the Pope emphasized.

He again called for "a ceasefire in Gaza" and for "negotiations," while demanding that "the population facing a humanitarian crisis be provided with aid" and that "the hostages taken several months ago be urgently freed."