Holy Father appeals for a global ceasefire

Pope Francis again called for a “global ceasefire," warning the world is “on the brink of the abyss" in an interview with the Italian newspaper 'La Stampa' published on Monday, according to Vatican News.

"There was the Oslo agreement—so clear—with the solution of the two states. Until that agreement is applied, true peace remains distant," he said after attacks by Hamas and the war that is destroying the cities of the Gaza Strip.

The Holy Father invited everyone to pray for peace, expressing his trust that dialogue is the only path toward a peaceful future. 

“Immediately stop the bombs and missiles and end hostile attitudes. Everywhere," said the Pope.

He said he did not agree with "just wars" and that while it is legitimate to defend oneself, it is necessary to avoid "justifying wars, which are always wrong."

While he fears a military escalation across the Middle East, he sees hope because of confidential meetings trying to reach an agreement to arrive at a  truce.

He cited Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, as trying to mediate where he is good at.

The "liberation of Israeli hostages" is a priority.

Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, the president of the Italian Bishops' Conference, is entrusted with overseeing the war in Ukraine.

"The Holy See is trying to mediate an exchange of prisoners and the return of Ukrainian civilians.. In particular, we are working with Mrs. Maria Lvova-Belova, the Russian commissioner for children's rights, for the repatriation of Ukrainian children forcibly taken to Russia. Some have already returned to their families," said Pope Francis.  (MTV)