Pope Leo XIV has called for calm and dialogue amid rising violence in the Middle East, warning that the growing confrontation between the United States, Israel and Iran could spiral into a disaster of global proportions.
Speaking during the Angelus prayer at the Vatican on Sunday, the pontiff expressed deep concern over recent military strikes and retaliatory attacks in the region.
The Pope noted that stability and peace are not built with mutual threats, nor with weapons, which according to him sow destruction, pain, and death, but only through a reasonable, authentic, and responsible dialogue.
“Faced with the possibility of a tragedy of enormous proportions, I address to the parties involved a heartfelt appeal to assume the moral responsibility to stop the spiral of violence before it becomes an irreparable abyss,” Pope Leo XIV appealed.
The Pope also reiterated his message in posts on X, urging leaders to halt what he described as a dangerous escalation and allow diplomacy to regain its proper role.
His remarks came as fears mounted over a broader regional conflict following reports of coordinated U.S.–Israel airstrikes on Iran and subsequent retaliatory attacks.
