Pope Leo XIV Calls for Dialogue as Tension Between Iran and Israel Rise
In response to reported airstrikes on Iran by the United States and Israel, Pope Leo XIV on Sunday urged countries engaged in the intensifying Middle East conflict to acknowledge their moral obligation to seek peace.
The Pope made the appeal in his Angelus address on Sunday, where he voiced “deep concern” about recent events in the region, especially in Iran, according to Vatican News.
“Only through a reasonable, genuine, and responsible dialogue can stability and peace be built, not with mutual threats or weapons, which sow destruction, pain, and death,” he stated.
The Pope issued a dire warning that unchecked violence could have disastrous results.
“Faced with the potential for a massive tragedy. He declared, “I address to the parties involved a heartfelt appeal to assume the moral responsibility to stop the spiral of violence before it becomes an irreparable abyss.”
In addition, Pope Leo XIV prayed that diplomacy would once again be the primary means of resolving the crisis.
“May diplomacy regain its place and may the welfare of those who yearn for just and peaceful coexistence be advanced.” And let’s keep praying for peace,” he said.
Iran reportedly launched retaliatory attacks against Israel and several Gulf nations that host American military bases after Israel and the United States reportedly launched coordinated airstrikes on Tehran and other Iranian cities on Saturday.
The death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who had governed Iran for almost 37 years, was later reported by Iranian state-run news agencies.
