US and N. Korea tension could lead to conflict that wipes out "large part of humanity" - Pope Francis warns

Pope Francis who is currently on a visit to Egypt has said he worries that the rising tensions between the United States and North Korea could lead to a wide military conflict that would wipe out a "large part of humanity."

He called for renewed diplomacy using third-party intermediaries and for the United Nations to take a lead role in de-escalating tensions.

He said: 'the situation has heated up too much. I always appeal for a solution through diplomatic means. It's piecemeal but the pieces are getting larger, and are concentrated in places which were already hot. Today a wider war would destroy, I won't say half of humanity, but a large part of humanity and culture. It would be terrible. I don't think humanity today could bear it. Diplomacy is the best response in these times'.