Pope Leo XIV has hailed the newly signed peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan, calling it a “sign of hope” and urging world leaders to reject war as a means of resolving conflicts.

Speaking after the Sunday Angelus, the Pope appealed to international decision-makers to take responsibility in finding peaceful solutions.

“Let us continue to pray for an end to all wars,” the Pope said, noting that the 80th anniversary of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings serves as a stark reminder of war’s devastating consequences.

“Those in positions of power must never lose sight of the consequences their decisions have on people’s lives,” he said. “They must not ignore the needs of the most vulnerable or the universal longing for peace.”

Pope Leo commended Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev for the Aug. 8 agreement, expressing hope it will lead to “a stable and lasting peace in the South Caucasus.” (PNA)