The Catholic Church?s cardinals issued an urgent appeal for peace on Tuesday, one day before they retreat into the Vatican?s Sistine Chapel to elect a new pope.

In a joint statement, they called on all warring parties worldwide to ?achieve a lasting ceasefire as soon as possible.?

The statement, released by the Vatican, said the cardinals note ?with regret? that there has been no ?progress in promoting peace processes in Ukraine, the Middle East and many other parts of the world.?

On the contrary, they said, attacks have intensified, especially against the civilian population.

The cardinals called for ceasefires ?without preconditions and without further delay? in order to negotiate ?the peace long desired by the affected populations and the whole world.?

They also appealed to believers, asking them to intensify their prayers for a just and lasting peace.

The statement was delivered during the General Congregation of the College of Cardinals, the last meeting of the cardinals before the start of the conclave.

Starting on Wednesday, eligible cardinals under the age of 80 are to vote to elect a successor to pope Francis, who died on Easter Monday at the age of 88. (dpa/NAN)

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