Pope Leo XIV, the first U.S.-born pope, issued an urgent call for a ceasefire in the U.S. and Israeli war with Iran during prayers before tens of thousands gathered on St Peter’s Square in Rome on Sunday.
“In the name of the Christians of the Middle East and of all women and men of goodwill: Cease the fire! Let paths of dialogue be reopened,” the pontiff was quoted as saying by the Vatican’s news website.
“Violence can never lead to the justice, the stability and the peace that peoples are awaiting,” the pope said after the recitation of the Angelus, according to Vatican News.
The Chicago native was careful to avoid casting direct blame for the war, which began with an offensive from the U.S. and its close ally Israel.
However his criticism of attacks on “schools” comes as the U.S. is facing continued scrutiny over its suspected involvement in the bombing of an Iranian school, killing scores of young schoolgirls.
“Thousands of innocent people have been killed, and many others have been forced to abandon their homes. I renew my prayerful closeness to all those who have lost their loved ones in the attacks that have struck schools, hospitals, and residential areas,” Leo said.
Turning to the situation in Lebanon, he said: “I hope for paths of dialogue that can support the country’s authorities in implementing lasting solutions to the serious crisis underway, for the common good of all the Lebanese people.”
Leo visited Lebanon on his first visit abroad as pope last year.
“Violence can never lead to the justice, the stability and the peace that peoples are awaiting.” —Pope Leo XIV
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