Pope Francis on Sunday invited the faithful to pray "for peace" in the Democratic Republic of Congo, "as well as in the martyred Ukraine and in the HolyLand".
"May the hostilities that cause immense suffering among the civil population cease as soon as possible," said Francis during the weekly Angelus prayer and blessing at the Vatican.
The pope also expressed his support for Haitians amid a new upsurge of violence in the Caribbean country.
"I follow with concern and sorrow the serious crisis affecting Haiti and the violent episodes that have occurred in recent days. I am close to the Church and to the dear Haitian people who have been suffering for years," he said.
Francis also expressed his closeness to "our Muslim brothers and sisters" at the start of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © Copyright ANSA