Vatican City, Jul 19, 2020 / 05:23 am
Pope Francis Sunday said he is praying for the families of victims of clashes between Armenia and Azerbaijan, and hopes differences can be resolved peacefully.
"I am following with concern the recovery in recent days of armed tensions in the Caucasus region, between Armenia and Azerbaijan," the pope said after leading the Angelus prayer July 19.
"In particular, while I assure you of my prayers for the families of those who lost their lives during the clashes, I hope that, with the commitment of the international community and through dialogue and the goodwill of the parties, a lasting peaceful solution can be reached, which has at heart the good of those beloved populations," he continued.
At least 16 people have died in fighting at the border of the two Caucasus countries the past week. The clashes were followed by protests in Azerbaijan, the BBC reports.