Pope Leo XIV calls for an end to the spiral of violence

On Sunday, Pope Leo XIV expressed "deep concern" over developments following the US and Israeli attacks on Iran. During his regular address to pilgrims in St. Peter's Square, he appealed to all parties involved to stop what he called a "spiral of violence."

He warned that further escalation could lead to an irreparable rift with serious consequences for the entire region.

According to the head of the Catholic Church, stability and peace cannot be built through threats or weapons, but only through reasonable, sincere, and responsible dialogue.

The Pope thus sent a clear signal at a time of growing tension in the Middle East, where fears of further destabilization are mounting.

(reuters, mja)