The letter was sent to Corriere della Sera editor-in-chief Luciano Fontana and was a response to Fontana’s message of support during the pope’s illness.

In the letter, dated March 14, the Argentine pontiff stressed the importance of communication tools in achieving peace.

“We must disarm words, to disarm minds and disarm the Earth,” said the pope, who has been in hospital with bilateral pneumonia since February 14.

“There is a great need for reflection, calmness and an awareness of complexity.

“While war only devastates communities and the environment, without offering solutions to conflicts, diplomacy and international organisations are in need of new vitality and credibility.

“Religions, moreover, can draw from the spirituality of peoples to rekindle the desire for fraternity and justice, the hope for peace.

“All this requires commitment, work, silence and words.

“Let us feel united in this effort, which heavenly Grace will continue to inspire and accompany.”

ANSA