Pope Leo XIV called for an end to the “roar of bombs” in the Middle East as the region faces escalating conflict following U.S.-Israeli air strikes on Iran.
Speaking during the Angelus prayer at St. Peter’s Square on Sunday, the U.S.-born pontiff expressed deep concern over the humanitarian and regional consequences of the ongoing violence.
“Added to the episodes of violence and devastation and the widespread climate of hatred and fear, is the fear that the conflict will spread, and that other countries in the region, including beloved Lebanon, may once again sink into instability,” he said.
The Pope prayed for weapons to fall silent and for dialogue to emerge, emphasising that the voices of affected peoples must be heard.
The prayers coincided with Iran preparing to announce its new supreme leader, following air strikes that destroyed fuel dumps in Tehran, triggering widespread fires and smoke.
Meanwhile, Iranian missile and drone responses have targeted several Gulf nations.
U.S President Donald Trump has not ruled out the deployment of American ground troops, asserting that military operations are proceeding swiftly.
The Pope’s appeal underscores the urgent need for peace and humanitarian relief amid the intensifying Middle East crisis.
