Pope Leo XIV on Sunday renewed his appeal for peace in the Middle East, urging those involved in the conflict to end the violence and reopen channels of dialogue.
Speaking during his weekly Angelus prayer at the Vatican, the pontiff expressed deep concern over the ongoing war that has affected several countries in the region.
“Dear brothers and sisters, for two weeks the peoples of the Middle East have suffered the atrocious violence of war,” the US-born pope said.
He lamented the human cost of the conflict, noting that many innocent people had lost their lives while thousands of others had been displaced from their homes.
“Thousands of innocent people have been killed, and countless others have been forced to flee their homes.
“I renew my closeness to all those who have lost loved ones in the attacks that have hit schools, hospitals, and residential areas.”
The pope also highlighted the situation in Lebanon as particularly worrying amid the ongoing hostilities across the region.
Addressing leaders and parties involved in the conflict, Pope Leo XIV called for an immediate ceasefire and renewed diplomatic engagement.
“On behalf of the Christians of the Middle East and of all women and men of goodwill, I address those responsible for this conflict,” he said in Italian.
“Cease fire! Let paths of dialogue be reopened!
“Violence can never lead to the justice, stability and peace that people await.”
The appeal comes as tensions remain high across the Middle East following the ongoing confrontation involving Iran, Israel and the United States.
What you should know
Popes traditionally use the Sunday Angelus prayer to address global issues and call for peace during major conflicts.
Since the escalation of the Middle East crisis, religious leaders around the world have been urging restraint and diplomacy to prevent further humanitarian suffering and regional instability.
