Pope Leo calls the war in the Middle East a scandal for humanity

Pope Leo XIV strongly condemned the suffering caused by the war in the Middle East, which he described as "a scandal for all humanity", during the Angelus prayer on Sunday. The conflict between the US, Israel and Iran, he said, is causing casualties among defenceless civilians, which is deeply worrying.

The Pope stressed that it is impossible to remain silent in the face of the suffering of innocent people, as the pain of individuals affects all of humanity.

He also reiterated his call for an immediate ceasefire and an end to the fighting. The Vatican appears to be trying to appeal to the moral responsibility of world leaders at a time of rising tensions.

Leo XIV also called on the faithful to pray for peace and for solutions that will lead to stability in the region.

(reuters, mja)