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IZNIK, Turkey -- Pope Leo XIV condemned the use of religion for justifying “war,” “violence” or “fanaticism” on Friday – instead urging Catholics to mobilize their faith and unify others “regardless of ethnicity, nationality, religion or personal perspectives.”

The pontiff called on worshippers to enable “dialogue and cooperation” between different communities and see the humanity in others, as he commemorated a significant church anniversary in Turkey.

“The whole of humanity afflicted by violence and conflict is crying out for reconciliation,” said Leo. “There is a universal fraternity of men and women regardless of ethnicity, nationality, religion or personal perspectives.”

“Religions, by their very nature, are repositories of this

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