His Holiness Pope Leo XIV today issued a heartfelt and urgent appeal for peace amid the rapidly escalating tensions in the Middle East, following recent military strikes involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.
Speaking from the window of the Apostolic Palace after the Angelus prayer in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Leo XIV expressed profound concern over the unfolding events, which include joint U.S.-Israeli airstrikes on Iranian targets including reports of the death of Iran's Supreme Leader and subsequent retaliatory actions by Iran.
“I follow with deep concern what is happening in the Middle East and Iran in these dramatic hours,” the Holy Father said. “We are faced with the possibility of a tragedy of enormous proportions.”
Pope Leo XIV emphasized that true stability and peace cannot be achieved through force or intimidation. “Stability and peace are not built with mutual threats, nor with weapons that sow destruction, pain, and death, but only through a reasonable, authentic, and responsible dialogue,” he declared.
In a direct appeal to all parties involved, the Pope called for moral responsibility and immediate action to prevent further catastrophe: “I address to the parties involved a heartfelt appeal to assume the moral responsibility of halting the spiral of violence before it becomes an irreparable abyss.”
He further prayed that diplomacy would regain its central role, promoting the good of peoples who long for peaceful coexistence founded on justice. “Let diplomacy silence the weapons,” Pope Leo XIV urged. “Let nations chart their future with works of peace, not with violence and bloody conflicts.”
The Pontiff concluded by inviting the faithful worldwide to join in prayer for peace in the region and for all those affected by the violence.