In his first major public statement since the outbreak of the Iran-Israel conflict, Pope Leo XIV has urged both nations to turn away from revenge and toward the path of dialogue.
Speaking from St Peter’s Square at the conclusion of his weekly address, the pontiff called on all parties involved- including the United States, which supported Israel with airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities- to prioritise diplomacy over domination.
“May the path of oppression and revenge be rejected,” he said, “and may the path of dialogue, diplomacy, and peace be chosen with resolve.”
The comments come after nearly two weeks of military escalation between Iran and Israel, which drew in the US through direct bombing raids on enrichment sites in Isfahan, Natanz, and Fordow.
While a ceasefire is currently in place, international observers remain concerned about the risk of renewed hostilities. The Pope’s statement is a rare direct intervention so early in a papacy- and may mark the beginning of Leo XIV’s diplomatic voice on global affairs.
Also read: Who is Pope Leo XIV?
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