Naples, 22 March (LaPresse) – "I continue to follow with dismay the situation in the Middle East, as well as in other regions of the world torn apart by war and violence. We cannot remain silent in the face of the suffering of so many people, defenceless victims of these conflicts. What hurts them hurts the whole of humanity. The death and pain caused by these wars are a scandal to the whole human family and a cry before God. I strongly renew my appeal to persevere in prayer so that hostilities may cease and paths to peace may finally open up, founded on sincere dialogue and respect for the dignity of every human person." Pope Leo XIV said this after the Angelus in St Peter’s Square.