Speaking from the balcony of his apartment after his Angelus audience on Sunday, February 8, the Pope asked all international leaders to rely on "diplomatic instruments of dialogue" rather than resorting to force. He insisted that dialogue might still bear fruit. "I am convinced, " he said, "that the parties involved still might listen," and commit themselves to peace.
The history of the Middle East proves that armed warfare never solves problems, the Pope continued. On the contrary, they "create greater divisions among peoples."
"The Holy See can only encourage those who are involved to pursue negotiations, to avoid bellicose actions, and the support the way of peace," he concluded.