Vatican City — Pope Leo XIV has renewed his urgent call for peace in the Middle East, appealing for an immediate ceasefire and the resumption of dialogue to bring an end to the escalating violence across the region.
Speaking during his weekly Angelus prayer at St. Peter’s Square on Sunday, the pontiff condemned what he described as “atrocious violence” that has inflicted immense suffering and forced countless civilians from their homes. He urged leaders involved in the conflict to halt hostilities and commit to diplomatic solutions.
The Pope’s remarks come as tensions continue to intensify amid the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, now in its third week and marked by thousands of civilian casualties and widespread destruction.
“In the name of humanity and of all people of goodwill, I appeal to those responsible for this conflict: cease fire,” Pope Leo XIV said, warning that continued violence cannot deliver justice, stability, or lasting peace.
He also expressed solidarity with families affected by attacks on civilian infrastructure, including schools, hospitals, and residential areas, while raising concern over the worsening humanitarian crisis across parts of the Middle East, particularly in Lebanon.
The Holy See has consistently maintained that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable path toward lasting peace, urging all parties to return to negotiations and work collectively toward regional stability.
This latest appeal adds to a series of calls by Pope Leo XIV since the conflict escalated, reinforcing his message that global leaders must prioritize peace and safeguard innocent lives caught in the crossfire.
