Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV on Sunday called for urgent efforts to contain the escalating violence in the Middle East, warning that continued conflict could spiral into an irreversible catastrophe. In his weekly address at St. Peter's Square in the Vatican, the pontiff urged the international community to uphold its moral responsibility before it is too late.

According to Jordan News Agency, the pope stressed that "no military victory can compensate for the human cost the suffering of mothers, the fear in children's eyes, and the loss of future generations." He called for diplomacy to reclaim its central role in resolving conflict.

He also warned against the growing neglect of civilian suffering in Gaza, where Israel's war on the besieged enclave has continued for more than 20 months.