In his annual “State of the World” address to members of the Diplomatic Corps accredited to the Holy See, Pope Francis reiterated his perspective of a third world war fought piecemeal, recalled almost two years of large-scale war in Ukraine that has resulted in “great numbers of victims and massive destruction,” and the situation in the South Caucasus between Armenia and Azerbaijan, with the dramatic situation of refugees, Vatican News reported.
He expressed concern about the tension in the South Caucasus and the disagreements between Azerbaijan and Armenia, and called on the two parties to sign a peace treaty.
In addition, Pope Francis pointed to the rights of return of the displaced persons to their homes and the need to respect places of worship.
“In both instances, he called for negotiations, in respect for international law and for religious diversity,” Vatican News added.
