‘Iraqi leaders must talk’

During the weekly mass at St. Peter’s Square, Pope Francis asks the Iraqi leaders to use dialogue to avoid any further warfare in the region.

The news from Iraq is unfortunately very saddening. I join the bishops from that country in calling on the rulers to preserve national unity and avoid war through dialogue.  I express my closeness to the thousands of families, especially the Christian ones, who have had to leave their homes and are in serious danger. Violence generates more violence. Dialogue is the only path to peace. Let’s pray to the Virgin Mary to look after the Iraqi people.