Pope Francis on Wednesday urged the international community to take immediate action to halt the escalating violence in Lebanon amid the Israeli aggression on Lebanon. 

Speaking during his weekly general audience at the Vatican on Wednesday, the pope expressed deep sorrow for the devastation in Lebanon, where nearly 570 people have been martyred and over 1,800 injured since Monday, according to Lebanese health authorities.

"I am saddened by the news coming out of Lebanon," Pope Francis said, calling the violence "unacceptable."

He voiced his hope that the global community would "make every effort to stop this terrible escalation," stressing the need for urgent intervention to prevent the situation from worsening.

Read more: Pope Francis calls Israeli bombings of schools 'ugly'

The pope has consistently issued appeals for a ceasefire in the region. However, these calls have not led to significant pressure on the Israeli regime.

In his Christmas message last year, Pope Francis condemned Israeli strikes on Gaza and lamented the deaths of countless innocents, particularly children, who have had their lives shattered by war.

He referred to the children of Gaza as "the little Jesuses of today."

War on Lebanon rages

"Israel's" aggression on Lebanon, which began amid the Israeli war on Gaza, has sparked widespread concern that the violence could further spread across the region.

"Israel" has killed hundreds of civilians in its airstrikes on Lebanon, as Hezbollah continues to target Israeli military sites for "Israel's" genocide in Gaza and in defense of the Lebanese people.

Over 41,400 people, primarily women and children, have been killed in Gaza since the genocide began on October 7, 2023.

Pope Francis also expressed solidarity with the Lebanese people, acknowledging their suffering over the years due to political instability and conflict.