- The pontiff warned that the continuing clashes were deepening fear and hostility in the region
- He specifically mentioned Lebanon as one of the countries that could be affected if tensions escalate further
- Calling for peace, the Pope encouraged believers to pray for an end to the bombardments and for the silence of weapons
Pope Leo XIV on Sunday expressed deep concern over the worsening situation in Iran and across the Middle East, urging an immediate halt to violence and renewed efforts toward peaceful dialogue.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the Pope made the appeal during the Angelus prayer at St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City, as the conflict linked to the ongoing US‑Israeli strikes on Iran entered its ninth day.
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The pontiff warned that the continuing clashes were deepening fear and hostility in the region while increasing the risk that the crisis could expand to other nations.
He specifically mentioned Lebanon as one of the countries that could be affected if tensions escalate further, cautioning that the region might once again slide into instability.
Calling for peace, the Pope encouraged believers to pray for an end to the bombardments and for the silence of weapons, stressing the need to create opportunities for diplomacy where the voices of ordinary people can be heard.
Earlier in the week, the Vatican’s chief diplomat also raised concerns about the strikes, arguing that such military actions undermine international law.
He emphasised that no country should justify launching what he described as “preventive wars,” a rare and direct criticism of the ongoing military campaign.
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