He remarked: “What a great thirst for death, for killing we see in the many conflicts raging in different parts of the world.”

Pope Francis expressed his sympathy for “all the Israeli people and the Palestinian people” and once again called for a ceasefire.

He said: “Call a ceasefire, release the hostages and come to the aid of a starving people that aspires to a future of peace.”

In addition to addressing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, he also spoke about the war between Russia and Ukraine, urging all parties involved to “pursue efforts aimed at achieving a just and lasting peace.”

Before his death, Pope Francis had been hospitalized due to a respiratory crisis, which later resulted in double pneumonia, according to The Independent.

He spent 38 days at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, where he was diagnosed with bronchitis and kidney problems.

Following his passing, several prominent figures, including King Charles III, have paid their respects to the religious leader.

In the wake of the Pope’s death, a nine-day mourning period will begin, after which a new Pope will be chosen through the traditional ‘papal conclave’ process.

The Catholic Church’s senior leaders, known as the College of Cardinals, will wait 15 days before starting the voting process to elect the next Pope.

At present, there are 252 Catholic cardinals, 138 of whom are eligible to cast their vote for the new Pope.