Pope Francis has voiced deep concern over the escalating conflict in eastern DR Congo, urging all parties to end hostilities and prioritize civilian protection.

His appeal follows the recent capture of Goma, the capital of North Kivu province, by M23 rebels on Monday, January 27.

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The takeover was followed by intense fighting near DR Congo-Rwanda border, during which shelling by the Congolese army and FDLR militia killed 13 Rwandans and injured over 35 in Rubavu District.

In a Wednesday, January 29 address, Pope Francis said, "I am concerned about the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo. I urge all parties to cease hostilities and safeguard civilians. I pray for peace and call on local and international authorities to commit to resolving the conflict peacefully.”

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Pope Francis emphasized the urgent need for action to protect lives and restore security.

He also called on the international community to step up efforts toward a peaceful resolution, stressing the collective responsibility to address the crisis in DR Congo.

The Pope’s message comes as regional leaders held meetings to deliberate on the way of the crisis, which has affected DR Congo’s relations with Rwanda.

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Presidents of the East African Community (EAC) countries on Wednesday urged the Congolese leader Felix Tshisekedi to "directly engage” with M23 rebels as a practical to resolve the conflict that has been going on for over three years.

Tshisekedi, who skipped the EAC summit, has previously ruled out the possibility of peace talks with the rebels, who he says are supported by Rwanda.

Rwanda dismisses these allegations, pointing to its security concerns about the collaboration of the Congolese army and the FDLR, a group founded by perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

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The Rwandan government maintains that the conflict should be resolved politically, by addressing the root causes of a problem that has undermined regional security for 30 years.

President Kagame told his EAC counterparts on Wednesday that Tshisekedi’s government had to take responsibility of the crisis and express political will in finding lasting resolution.

"I don’t understand how Tshisekedi keeps thinking that he will resolve the problems to do with rights of people militarily ... kill them, shoot them,” Kagame said.

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He pointed to manipulation of regional efforts as a major hindrance to lasting peace in eastern DR Congo.

"But if we keep saying good things to each other and being nice and each one fulfilling their own interests other than the common interests of East Africans, then I don’t see how we are going to contribute effectively to finding a solution,” Kagame said.