Pope Leo's Urgent Call for Ceasefire in Middle East Conflict

Pope Leo issued an urgent appeal for an immediate ceasefire in the escalating war involving Iran, decrying the ‘atrocious violence’ that has claimed thousands of civilian lives. His plea came as the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran entered its third week, warning violence would fail to bring justice and peace.

Addressing the faithful during his weekly Angelus prayer at St. Peter’s Square, the first U.S. pope urged those responsible to end hostilities, emphasizing the Middle East's desperate need for peace. He underscored the absurdity of believing war can solve problems, particularly citing the ongoing crisis in Lebanon involving Hezbollah.

In a poignant homily, Pope Leo condemned using divine justifications for warfare, asserting that God stands for light and peace, not darkness and death. He called for unwavering dialogues and peaceful resolutions, lamenting the global suffering caused by violent conflicts and urging humanity towards hope and reconciliation.