Key facts
- Pope Leo XIV has called for renewed diplomacy and dialogue.
- He warned that escalating US-Iran attacks are deepening violence in the Middle East.
- The Pope stated that peace is achieved through dialogue, not mutual threats or arms.
- He appealed for an immediate de-escalation and for nations to pursue peaceful coexistence.
- The Pope welcomed the upcoming signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the US and Iran.
Pope Leo XIV has issued urgent calls for diplomacy and peace as escalating attacks between the United States and Iran deepen violence in the Middle East and other global conflict zones. He warned that the "winds of war" are "sowing violence, terror and death," affecting many innocent people.
Speaking after the Angelus prayer, the pontiff emphasized that stability and peace are not built with mutual threats or weapons, but through "reasonable, authentic, and responsible dialogue." He expressed deep concern over recent events, warning of an "immense tragedy" if violence escalates uncontrollably and appealing for an immediate de-escalation to prevent an "irreparable abyss."
The Pope welcomed the forthcoming signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States, expected on Friday, after nearly four months of conflict. He thanked third-party countries that facilitated the peace negotiations and expressed hope that the agreement would strengthen mutual trust, security, and stability in the Middle East.
Hostilities escalated on June 13 when Israel launched airstrikes on several sites across Iran, including military and nuclear facilities. Iran responded with retaliatory strikes on Israel and US bases and allies in the Gulf region, and disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. US President Donald Trump announced that American forces had carried out "very successful" airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites in Ford, Natanz, and Esfahan. State-run news agencies later announced the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. According to Iranian authorities, hundreds have been killed and thousands wounded in the Israeli assault, while Israeli authorities reported at least 25 deaths and hundreds injured in Iranian missile attacks.