Pope Francis expresses 'concern' and calls for 'dialogue' in Afghanistan

Pope Francis Sunday expressed his "concern" about the situation in Afghanistan, and called for "dialogue" to resolve the conflict.

His words come as Taliban fighters surround the last government-run provincial capital in the country, Kabul. 

"I join the collective concern about the situation in Afghanistan," the pontiff said during the traditional Angelus prayer from St. Peter's Square, calling for prayer "for the end of the fighting and finding solutions at the dialogue table."

"Only in this way will the people of this country, men, women, children and the elderly, be able to return home and live in peace and security, with mutual respect," he added.

Orders were issued to Taliban fighters earlier Sunday not to enter Kabul while the government is promising a peaceful transition.