In his strongest peace appeal since ascending to the papacy five weeks ago, Pope Leo has called on the governments of Iran and Israel to exercise restraint and engage in dialogue amid a deadly escalation in hostilities. The pontiff urged both nations to act with “reason” following a series of airstrikes that have killed dozens and forced civilians into bomb shelters.
Speaking solemnly from St. Peter’s Basilica on Saturday, Pope Leo said he was following the conflict “with great concern.” Reading from a prepared statement in Italian, he implored world leaders to pursue peaceful solutions grounded in justice and respect.
“In such a delicate moment, I strongly wish to renew an appeal to responsibility and to reason,” the pope said. “The commitment to building a safer world free from the nuclear threat must be pursued through respectful encounters and sincere dialogue.”
The pontiff emphasized that no nation should threaten another’s existence and called on the international community to support reconciliation and peace. “It is the duty of all countries to support the cause of peace, initiating paths of reconciliation and promoting solutions that guarantee security and dignity for all,” he added.
The plea comes as tensions reached new heights this weekend following a large-scale Israeli strike on Iran, which the Israeli government described as a “preemptive strike” aimed at dismantling Iran’s alleged nuclear weapons development. Iran, which insists its nuclear program is peaceful, responded with missile attacks that killed at least two Israelis and wounded many more.
Pope Leo, the first American pope and successor to the late Pope Francis, has so far maintained a more scripted and measured public style. However, his message on Saturday was a clear and firm call for de-escalation and global cooperation.
As the international community braces for further developments, Pope Leo’s voice adds moral weight to growing appeals for diplomacy and dialogue in a region long plagued by conflict. His message underscores the Vatican’s long-standing stance that peace can only be achieved through mutual understanding and respect.
