Pope warns against spreading conflict in the Middle East

On Sunday, Pope Leo XIV expressed deep concern over the ongoing fighting in the Middle East and called for an immediate end to the violence and a resumption of dialogue. He was responding to the escalation of the conflict between Iran and the coalition of the United States and Israel.

During the Angelus prayer in St. Peter's Square, the Pope noted that "deeply disturbing news" was coming from Iran and the entire region. According to him, the conflict is creating an atmosphere of fear and hatred, and there are concerns that it could spread further.

"In addition to episodes of violence and devastation and a widespread atmosphere of hatred and fear, there are also growing concerns that the conflict could spread and that other countries in the region, including dear Lebanon, could once again fall into instability," he said.

The Pooe also called for an end to the fighting and for diplomacy to be given a chance. "Let us humbly pray that the rumble of bombs will cease, that weapons will fall silent, and that space will be opened for dialogue in which the voices of the peoples can be heard," he added.

The Vatican has previously warned that US-Israeli attacks on Iran could undermine international law. The Vatican's top diplomat said this week that states should not start so-called preventive wars.

(reuters, max)