We, the Cardinals of the Holy Roman Church, meeting in General Congregation before the beginning of the Conclave, noting with regret that there has been no progress in advancing the peace processes in Ukraine, the Middle East and so many other parts of the world, and that on the contrary, attacks have intensified, especially against the civilian population, make a heartfelt appeal to all parties involved to reach a permanent ceasefire as soon as possible and to negotiate, without preconditions and further delay, the peace long desired by the peoples involved and by the entire world.

We invite all the faithful to intensify their supplication to the Lord for a just and lasting peace.