Pope Leo XIV Calls for End to Midlle East Attacks

Pope Leo XIV called on all parties to the conflicts in the Middle East on Sunday to halt military attacks and resume diplomatic negotiations. He warned that the ongoing violence is endangering civilians and worsening shortages of drinking water and electricity.

After the Angelus prayer at his summer residence in Castel Gandolfo, the Pope expressed concern over the escalation of violence in the Holy Land, where, he said, civilians have once again been killed in recent days in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. He also called for a return to negotiations leading to a just political solution based on the equal rights and dignity of all people.

Leo XIV rejected further military operations and unilateral actions that undermine the status of the holy sites of various religions. He also called on the faithful to pray for those suffering from wars and for the swift restoration of reconciliation and peace.

The Pope also expressed solidarity with the residents of areas affected by widespread wildfires in France and Spain and recalled Saturday's beatification of Maronite patriarch Elias Hoayek in Lebanon.

(ewtn, Sat)