Pope Leo has urged U.S. President Donald Trump to seek an “off-ramp” to end the ongoing war with Iran, in a rare direct appeal as the conflict continues to escalate.

Speaking to journalists outside his residence in Castel Gandolfo near Rome, Pope Leo said he hoped President Trump was looking for a way to reduce violence and bring the conflict to an end.

The pontiff, known for his careful language, has increasingly voiced concern over the war in recent weeks. In unusually strong remarks on Sunday, he said that God rejects the prayers of leaders who initiate wars and have “hands full of blood.”

The month-long conflict, which began following joint U.S.-Israeli airstrikes on Iran on February 28, has spread across the region, resulting in thousands of deaths, disrupting global energy supplies, and raising fears of wider economic instability.

Pope Leo expressed deep concern over the loss of life, including innocent children, and called for peace to be restored before Easter on April 5.

“There have been so many deaths,” he said, urging continued appeals for peace and warning that too many people are promoting violence and war.