Pope Leo XIV Calls for End to Bombing, Dialogue in Middle East Conflic

Pope Leo XIV on Sunday called for an end to the bombing and a return to dialogue as violence in Iran and across the Middle East intensifies. He warned that the conflict could spread further and destabilize neighboring nations.

During the midday Angelus prayer in St. Peter’s Square, the Pope expressed dismay over troubling reports from Iran and the region as the U.S.-Israeli military campaign enters its ninth day. He urged for weapons to fall silent and diplomacy to take precedence.

“Let us raise our humble prayer to the Lord that the roar of bombs may cease, that weapons may fall silent, and that space be opened for dialogue in which the voices of peoples can be heard,” Pope Leo said, stressing the severe impact on civilians.

• Pope Leo XIV calls for end to bombing, urges dialogue in Middle East
• Pope appeals for peace as Middle East violence escalates
• Vatican urges diplomacy to end Middle East conflict

The U.S. and Israel began their air campaign against Iran earlier this year in response to tensions over Tehran’s nuclear program and regional influence. The strikes have caused widespread destruction, killing hundreds of civilians and prompting Iranian missile and drone retaliation in neighboring states.

Pope Leo also expressed concern that the conflict could spread to other Middle Eastern countries, including Lebanon, which has seen violence spill over. He emphasized that peace cannot be achieved through threats or military force, but through inclusive dialogue that respects the dignity of affected communities.

His comments follow a Vatican diplomatic critique earlier in the week, where the Holy See’s top envoy criticized the strikes for undermining international law and questioned the legitimacy of “preventive wars.” This represents a rare, direct stance by the Vatican on current military actions.

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Pope Leo concluded his appeal with a prayer for world leaders to abandon “projects of death” and embrace peace, highlighting the human cost of the conflict and the urgent need for de-escalation and reconciliation across the Middle East.