Pope Leo expressed concern on Tuesday about a ​rising tenor of animosity in the ‌expanding Iran war, repeating calls for a ceasefire amid reports that the US is planning to send thousands of ​soldiers to the Middle East in ​a military buildup.

Leo, the first US pope, ⁠lamented that “hatred is increasing, and the ​violence is getting worse and worse.”

“I want ​to renew the appeal for a ceasefire, to work for peace, but not with weapons - rather ​through dialogue, truly seeking a solution ​for everyone,” he told journalists as he was ‌leaving ⁠his residence in Castel Gandolfo, Italy.

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“There are more than a million displaced people and many dead,” said the pope. “I invite ​all the ​authorities to ⁠truly work through dialogue to resolve the problems.”

Leo, who is ​known for choosing his words ​carefully, ⁠has been ramping up calls for an end to the Iran war in recent ⁠days. ​

On Sunday, he said ​the conflict was a “scandal to the whole human family.”