Sri Lanka, March 1 -- Pope Leo XIV voiced concern on Sunday about developments in the Middle East and Iran, urging the parties involved to stop what he called a "spiral of violence" before it becomes an "irreparable abyss."

"Stability and peace are not built with mutual threats, nor with weapons, which sow destruction, pain, and death, but only through a reasonable, authentic, and responsible dialogue," the pope said March 1. He appealed for diplomacy to "recover its role" and for the common good of peoples who long for peaceful coexistence "founded on justice."

The pontiff added: "Let us continue to pray for peace."

Leo also appealed for peace in the conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan, calling for an urgent return to dialogue. ...