Pope Leo Calls for Talks as Tigray Fighting Resumes 

Pope Leo XIV has called for dialogue in Ethiopia after renewed hostilities in the Tigray region have killed or wounded dozens of civilians.

Speaking after his general audience in St Peter’s Square on Wednesday, the pope urged the parties to abandon armed confrontation, warning that fighting would deepen the crisis and leave more people dead, communities destroyed and grievances unresolved.

Leo also called on the international community to provide timely humanitarian assistance to people affected by the violence.

“I extend my heartfelt plea to all parties, to choose the path of dialogue. Armed conflict never solves problems but only worsens them, leaving in its wake a trail of death, destruction and resentment,” he said. 

“It is my fervent hope that the international community will offer its generous and timely contribution to ensuring that all humanitarian aid be provided to those in need,” he added.

Heavy clashes broke out last week between Ethiopian government forces and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), raising concerns about a possible return to the civil war that lasted from 2020 to 2022 and killed an estimated 600,000 people.

Government forces appear to be advancing north towards Mekelle, the Tigray capital held by the TPLF.