Violence against Christians “seems to be raging … with a diabolical intensity previously unknown,” according to Pope Leo XIV.

He was speaking in the Vatican today with members of Aid Agencies for the Eastern Churches (ROACO), and cited Ukraine, Gaza, the Middle East and the recent “terrible attack” on the Church of Saint Elias in Damascus.

The pontiff said the lands of the Christian East are, as never before, “devastated by wars, plundered by special interests, and covered by a cloud of hatred that renders the air unbreathable and toxic”.

He added: “It is truly distressing to see the principle of ‘might makes right’ prevailing in so many situations today, all for the sake of legitimising the pursuit of self-interest. It is troubling to see that the force of international law and humanitarian law seems no longer to be binding, replaced by the alleged right to coerce others. This is unworthy of our humanity, shameful for all mankind and for the leaders of nations”.