Pope appeals to politicians to avert threat of nuclear war over Ukraine

Rabbi Riccardo Di Segni looks on as Sayyed Abu Al-Qasim Al-Dibaj of the World Pan-Islamic Jurisprudence Organization and Pope Francis sign the appeal for peace during an inter-religious prayer for peace, at the Colosseum in Rome, Italy, October 25, 2022. REUTERS/Remo Casilli

Pope Francis, comparing the current world situation to the Cuban missile crisis 60 years ago, on Tuesday led leaders of world religions in a peace appeal to politicians to avert the threat of nuclear war over Ukraine.

Francis presided at the ceremonial closing at Rome's Colosseum of a three-day conference organised by Italy's Sant' Egidio Community, a worldwide peace and charity group.