After praying the midday Angelus this September 18, Pope Francis mentioned a new eruption of conflict, as well as reiterating his constant call for peace in Ukraine:
On September 13, the Azerbaijani army launched a large-scale offensive against Armenia that is believed to have caused the death of nearly 170 people. The two countries blame each other for the confrontation, two years after Azerbaijan took control of the Nagorno-Karabakh region after a war that left more than 6,500 people dead. A cease-fire was reached mid-week, via international mediation, but the situation remains extremely volatile.
Even when it "stinks"
The Holy Father repeatedly urges dialogue, insisting that while it can be difficult, it's the only way to hope that peace can be restored.
On his way home from Kazakhstan last week, he spoke of this, saying that dialogue with the aggressor, or the one who is seen to be in the wrong, might "stink," but it has to be done, as it's the "only reasonable door to peace":
