Pope Francis on Eastern Mediterranean tension

Pope Francis on Sunday appealed for "constructive dialogue" and "respect for international law" to calm rising tensions in the eastern Mediterranean region.

"I'm following with concern the tensions in the area of the eastern Mediterranean Sea, that is threatened by various clusters of instability," he said.

In recent weeks, Turkish and Greek forces have engaged in a series of cat-and-mouse military exercises in the seas between Cyprus and the Greek island of Crete.

The confrontation was sparked when Turkey sent a research vessel accompanied by warships to search for gas and oil reserves.

EU member Greece claims the waters are part of its continental shelf and has enlisted the support of the 27-nation bloc, which has condemned Turkey's "illegal activities" and warned of potential sanctions against Ankara.

Turkey says Greece and others are denying its rights to explore for energy resources in the Mediterranean.

Greece and Cyprus have recently been joined by France, Italy and the United Arab Emirates in carrying out naval and aerial war games in the region.

The Pope also noted upcoming initiatives marking the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation.

He mentioned a concert that is being held in the Mauritian capital Port Louis in the aftermath of a massive oil spill a few weeks ago.