Envoys to the Vatican on Monday urged nations to stop the violence afflicting many parts of the world and called for concrete efforts to bring peace.
"The international community and those who govern should strive to stem the violence more effectively and to peacefully resolve the conflicts around the world," the envoys said in a statement.
The envoys also voiced solidarity with "all the victims of religious persecution and discrimination" and urged prayers to God to bring them mercy.
The statement came after the envoys held a meeting at the Vatican with Pope Francis, who on Sunday issued a call for peace in the world and prayers to help bring this about.
“Today, more than ever, we need peace in this war which is everywhere in the world. Let us Pray for peace!" Francis said in remarks after his weekly Angelus prayer in St Peter's Square.
Francis told pilgrims he would on Tuesday travel to the Umbrian town of Assisi to take part in the Day of Prayer for Peace, an inter-faith event begun by late pope Saint John Paul II being held from 18-20 September.
Over 500 leaders from nine religions and 12,000 pilgrims from all over the world are attending the three-day event, as well as intellectuals, cultural figures and five Nobel peace prize winners.
