Speaking during a meeting with broadcasters from Italy’s TG2 television news programme at the Vatican, Leo called on reporters to portray the realities of war through the experiences of its victims.

He appealed to journalists “to show the face of war and tell it through the eyes of the victims, so as not to turn it into a video game.”

Leo warned that in periods of intense conflict, information can easily drift into propaganda if journalists fail to carefully verify facts and maintain editorial independence.

“In the dramatic circumstances of war, such as those we are experiencing, information must guard against the risk of turning into propaganda,” he saidJournalists must work to verify news and ensure they do not become “a megaphone of power,” he added.

Although the pope did not reference a specific conflict in Monday’s remarks, he has intensified appeals in recent days for an end to the expanding U.S.–Israeli war with Iran.

On Sunday, Leo called for an immediate ceasefire in what he described as the “atrocious violence” of the conflict, marking some of his strongest comments since hostilities escalated.

Leo’s warning about portraying war as entertainment echoed comments earlier this month from Blase Cupich, who criticized the White House for sharing a social media video featuring footage from the Iran conflict intercut with scenes from video games and action films.

Cupich described the video as “sickening,” arguing that such imagery risks trivializing the realities of war and the suffering of civilians.

Wang called on both sides to remain calm, exercise restraint and hold face-to-face talks as soon as possible, while seeking an immediate ceasefire and addressing differences through consultation, according to the statement.

China’s remarks came as hostilities intensified between Pakistan and Afghanistan following an airstrike that hit a fuel depot belonging to private carrier Kam Air near Kandahar International Airport in southern Afghanistan on Friday, an attack that has deepened the neighbours’ most serious confrontation in years.

According to the Chinese foreign ministry, Wang warned that any further use of force would complicate the situation and intensify tensions between the two countries.

Beijing has repeatedly positioned itself as a mediator in regional disputes and maintains diplomatic engagement with both Islamabad and Kabul. The ministry said China supports direct dialogue between the two sides as the primary avenue to de-escalate the crisis.

During the call, Wang and Muttaqi also exchanged views on the situation in Iran, the statement said.

Wang said China was willing to work with the international community, including Afghanistan, to contribute to peace in Iran, according to the ministry.