Pope Francis calls on all warring parties to abide by international humanitarian law

The pontiff addressed the issue after reading the Sunday Angelus, Ukrinform reports, referring to Vatican News.

"And please continue to pray for peace, especially in Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, for an end to escalation and for respect for human life, which is sacred, to come first! The first victims there are among the civilian population: we see this every day. We see too many innocent victims! We pray for peace."

He noted that the conference of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent, timed to the 75th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions, will begin in Geneva on October 28.

"May this event be able to awaken consciences so that, during armed conflicts, the life and dignity of persons and peoples, as well as the integrity of civilian structures and places of worship are respected in accordance with international humanitarian law. It is sad to see how hospitals and schools are destroyed in some places during the war," said the pontiff.

He also supported efforts to promote interreligious dialogue and condemned the recent killing of a priest in Mexico.

As reported, as of August, more than 500 churches, prayer houses, and other religious buildings were destroyed in Ukraine as a result of Russian strikes.

Photo: Vatican Media