Pope Leo On Wednesday, he called for a world free of anti-Semitism, bigotry, oppression and persecution, then linked that message to International Holocaust Remembrance Day, which was commemorated the day before.

The pope spoke at the end of his weekly audience in the Vatican’s Paul VI Hall, recalling the Jan. 27 commemorations of the millions of Jews and others who were murdered.

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Pope Leo marks Holocaust Remembrance Day with appeals against anti-Semitism. (AP Photo/Andrew Medicini)

Pope Leo called it “annual painful anniversary” and urged the international community to remain vigilant so that “the horrors of genocide never again befall any people” and to build a society rooted in “mutual respect and common interests.”

“I ask Almighty God to grant me the gift of a world that is no longer Not marked by anti-Semitism, nor by Prejudice, oppression and persecution against anyone,” the pope said.

International Holocaust Remembrance Day marks the anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp in 1945.

The Holocaust resulted in the systematic murder of 6 million Jews and millions of other Jews during World War II.

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Pope Leo called out anti-Semitism as he marked International Holocaust Remembrance Day, linking the January 27 commemoration to the need for dialogue on violence. (AP Photo/Andrew Medicini)

On January 27, Leo also accepted an interview with reporters when leaving his residence in Castel Gandolfo.

When asked about the growing tensions middle East As well as deploying U.S. aircraft carriers to the region amid protests and killings at the hands of the Iranian regime, Leo stressed the need to “pray hard for peace.”

He added: “We as little children can speak out and always seek dialogue rather than violence to solve problems, especially on this day of commemoration of the Holocaust.”

In a post commemorating Yad Vashem on X, Pope Leo reiterates Catholic Church’s Promise Reject all forms of anti-Semitism, following the principles outlined in the Second Vatican Council’s Nostra Aetate.

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He stressed that the church “rejects any discrimination or harassment based on race, language, nationality or religion” and encouraged dialogue rather than violence as a means of resolving conflicts.

Fox News Digital has reached out to the Vatican for comment.