Pope Leo XIV urges Middle East parties to suspend attacks, resume dialogue

He noted that intensified military operations have led to destruction and exacerbated shortages of drinking water and electricity. The Pope urged all parties involved to suspend their attacks and reopen avenues for negotiation, emphasizing the need for a just political solution founded on equal dignity and rights for all. He also called for the rejection of further military actions and unilateral decisions that could violate the status quo of holy sites.

During his address, Pope Leo XIV also renewed calls for restraint and nuclear disarmament, stressing that a safer world free from nuclear threats must be built on respectful encounter and sincere dialogue. His comments followed warnings from Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, about potential responses to recent airstrikes, fueling fears of wider conflict. The Pope encouraged continued prayers for those suffering from war and for those in positions of responsibility to pursue reconciliation and peace.