Pope Leo calls for an end to the fighting in Iran

On Sunday Pope Leo XIV condemned the ongoing war in Iran and called for an immediate ceasefire. During the Angelus prayer in St Peter’s Square he spoke of the ‘heinous violence’ that, in his view, has claimed the lives of thousands of civilians and driven many people from their homes.

The first American pope warned that military escalation would not bring the justice, stability or peace that the region’s inhabitants have long hoped for.

On behalf of Christians in the Middle East and all people of goodwill, he called on political leaders and military authorities to cease fire immediately. He also expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and his closeness to those who have lost loved ones.

The pope also addressed the situation in Lebanon, where, he said, fears are growing that the crisis could deepen further. He stressed the need for dialogue and political solutions that could help the country regain stability and ease tensions in the region.

(Reuters, pir)