Pope Francis said the U.S. is unnecessarily escalating a confrontation with North Korea, saying "things have gotten too hot."

If a war were to break out, it could have catastrophic consequences leading to the destruction of "a good part of humanity and culture," the pope said this weekend while departing Egypt for Rome.

"We are talking about the future of humanity. Today, a widespread war would destroy — I would not say half of humanity — but a good part of humanity, and of culture, everything, everything," he said. "It would be terrible. I don't think that humanity today would be able to withstand it."

He said North Korea's development of nuclear weapons has been known for years, and the escalation was not necessary.

The pope said the United Nations has "been watered down," but needs to be called on for leadership when it comes to North Korea.

"There are so many facilitators in the world, there are mediators who offer themselves," he said. "It is always ready to help."