VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo XIV has issued a solemn appeal for calm and diplomacy amid escalating hostilities between Israel and Iran, warning that the world stands on the brink of deepening conflict if restraint and dialogue are not urgently embraced.
Reading from a prepared statement in Italian on Saturday, the Pope said he was “greatly concerned” by the recent escalation, which saw Israel launch a large-scale preemptive strike on Iranian military and nuclear sites on Friday, followed by Iran’s retaliatory missile barrage that killed at least two people and left dozens injured.
“In recent days, news is arriving that causes great concern. The situation in Iran and Israel has seriously deteriorated,” Pope Leo said from the Vatican. “In such a delicate moment, I wish to renew my appeal to responsibility and reason.”
The Pontiff called on both nations—and the global community—to pursue peace through “respectful encounters and sincere dialogue,” warning that threats and retaliation only fuel further instability.
“The commitment to building a safer world, free from the nuclear threat, must be pursued… Peace must be founded on justice, fraternity, and the common good,” he said. “No one should ever threaten another’s existence.”
The Pope also challenged world leaders to take concrete steps toward reconciliation, stressing the shared human responsibility to prevent the proliferation of violence and uphold the dignity of all people.
“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.
Pope Leo appeals for peace between Israel and Iran:“In recent days, news is arriving that causes great concern. The situation in Iran and Israel has seriously deteriorated. In such a delicate moment, I wish to renew my appeal to responsibility and reason. The commitment to
His remarks come at a time of mounting fears that the latest military exchanges could spiral into a broader regional war.
While Israel has justified its actions as a move to disrupt Iran’s alleged nuclear weapons ambitions, Tehran insists its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes.
The Vatican has long advocated for nuclear disarmament and dialogue-driven conflict resolution.
Pope Leo XIV’s message adds moral weight to growing international calls for de-escalation and a return to diplomacy.
