Pope Leo XIV made a strong appeal for peace at the Vatican on Sunday in remarks that came only a few hours after the US bombed Iranian nuclear facilities.
The US-born pontiff referred to the US attack on Iran as “alarming news” and urged the world not to forget about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, which has been caused by the US-backed Israeli genocidal war on the Palestinian territory.
“Alarming news continues to arrive from the Middle East, especially from Iran,” Leo told a crowd gathered at St. Peter’s Square during his weekly Angelus address.
“In this dramatic scenario, which includes Israel and Palestine, the daily suffering of the population—especially in Gaza and other territories—risks being forgotten, even as the need for adequate humanitarian aid becomes ever more urgent,” Leo said.
The pontiff’s remarks come as Israeli forces continue to kill dozens of Palestinians in Gaza each day, including those seeking aid.
“War does not solve problems; rather, it amplifies them and creates deep wounds in the history of peoples, which take generations to heal. No armed victory can compensate for the pain of mothers, the fear of children, the stolen futures,” Leo said.
“Diplomacy must silence the weapons. May nations chart their way forward with works of peace, not with violence and bloodstained conflicts,” the pontiff added.
The Middle East is bracing for a major regional conflict following the US bombing of Iran, which risks an Iranian retaliatory attack that could result in significant US casualties. The Trump administration backed Israel’s attacks on Iran and launched its own airstrikes while claiming it was seeking a diplomatic solution.
