Pope Leo XIV described the current international situation as "very worrying" and called for wars to be avoided at all costs, as "many innocent people are dying".

"It's really worrying. Day and night I try to follow what is happening in many parts of the world. There's talk above all of the Middle East, but it's not just there," said Leo XIV, speaking to Italian public broadcaster RAI.

In the same statements, seen as the pontiff's first interview with the media, Leo XIV renewed his call for peace and for "trying at all costs to avoid the use of arms and to seek dialog through diplomatic instruments".

"Let's come together to find solutions. Many innocent people are dying and peace must be promoted," he said, as quoted by the international press.