Pope condemns threats as ceasefire offers hope for peace

Pope Leo XIV has welcomed the announced two-week ceasefire in the Iran war, saying it could open the way to a broader end to the conflict.

He was speaking just hours after criticising comments by US President Donald Trump, who had earlier threatened Iran with severe consequences if it did not accede to Washington’s demands. The Pope described those remarks as ‘truly unacceptable’.

Speaking at the Vatican, he stressed that the only path to lasting peace lies in negotiations, not in an escalation of tensions.

(reuters, pir)