Pope Leo XIV Calls for Dialogue as Iran–Israel Tensions Escalate

Pope Leo XIV has urged countries involved in the escalating Middle East conflict to embrace dialogue and peace, following reported airstrikes by the United States and Israel on Iran.

Speaking during his Angelus address on Sunday, the Pontiff expressed deep concern over the worsening situation, particularly developments affecting Iran. He emphasized that lasting stability cannot be achieved through threats or military action.

“Stability and peace are not built with mutual threats or weapons that bring destruction, suffering, and death, but through sincere, responsible, and meaningful dialogue,” he said.

Warning Against Further Escalation

The Pope cautioned that continued escalation could lead to devastating consequences and called on all parties to act responsibly to prevent the conflict from worsening.

He appealed to leaders involved in the crisis to recognise their moral duty to halt the cycle of violence before it leads to irreversible tragedy.

Call for Diplomacy and Peace

Pope Leo XIV also called for diplomacy to take center stage in resolving the crisis, expressing hope that nations would prioritize peaceful coexistence built on justice.

He urged continued prayers for peace, stressing the importance of diplomatic solutions over military confrontation.

Background to the Crisis

The appeal comes after reported joint airstrikes by Israel and the United States targeted Tehran and other locations in Iran, triggering retaliatory attacks by Iranian forces against Israel and Gulf nations hosting American military bases.

The situation has raised global concerns, with fears that further escalation could destabilize the region and impact international security.