Pope: ‘No one should have to live in fear of death from the sky’

Pope Leo XIV on Monday sharply criticised aerial bombardment as the US–Israeli war on Iran enters its fourth week.

Speaking at a meeting with ITA Airways officials and staff, the pope did not refer directly to the conflict but strongly condemned the use of air power in warfare.

‘No one should have to live in fear that threats of death and destruction could come from the sky. After the tragic experiences of the 20th century, aerial bombardments should have been banned worldwide. Yet it still happens. That is no progress. That is a setback!’ he said.

The pope has repeatedly called for a ceasefire in the conflict with Iran. On Sunday, he described the death and suffering caused by the war in the Middle East as ‘a scandal to the whole human family’.

ITA Airways, which is partly owned by Germany’s Lufthansa and succeeded the bankrupt national carrier Alitalia, is the airline that usually carries the pope from Rome on foreign trips.

(reuters, max)