Pope Leo XIV has praised the new peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan, calling it a hopeful sign in a region long affected by conflict.
Speaking after his Sunday Angelus prayer, the pope also urged Christians to keep praying for peace, especially in Haiti, where violence and despair are growing. He said: "I congratulate Armenia and Azerbaijan, which have achieved the signing of the Joint Peace Declaration" and added: "I hope that this event will contribute to a stable and lasting peace in the South Caucasus."
Pope Leo reminded political leaders that war must never be used to solve problems and called on those in power to consider the lives of the most vulnerable.
Turning to the worsening crisis in Haiti, the Pope expressed sorrow for a population "increasingly overwhelmed by despair", citing violence, kidnappings and forced displacement.
His comments came just days after the kidnapping of Irish missionary Gena Heraty, who was taken from a Haitian orphanage along with seven staff members and a child.
Heraty has served in Haiti for over 30 years, caring for disabled and vulnerable children.
The pope said: “I make a heartfelt appeal to all responsible parties to release the hostages immediately." He also called on the international community to provide tangible support to help create the social and institutional conditions “that will allow the Haitian people to live in peace.”