Pope Leo XIV on Sunday called for an immediate ceasefire in the Middle East, delivering his most forceful appeal yet as fighting linked to Iran’s war intensified across the region.
Speaking after his noon blessing at the Vatican in Rome, the pontiff directly addressed those responsible for launching the conflict, urging them to halt hostilities and reopen diplomatic channels, according to reports.
“On behalf of the Christians of the Middle East and all women and men of good will, I appeal to those responsible for this conflict.
“Cease fire so that avenues for dialogue may be reopened. Violence can never lead to the justice, stability, and peace that the people are waiting for,” he said.
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While avoiding the naming of specific countries, the pope referred to a missile strike on an elementary school in Minab that reportedly killed more than 165 people, many of them children, during the opening days of the war.
Investigative outlet Bellingcat identified the munition as a Tomahawk cruise missile, a weapon believed to be used in the conflict only by the United States (US).
The war escalated late last month after the US and Israel struck key military targets in Iran, killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and other senior officials.
Iran responded with missile and drone attacks on Israel and several Gulf Arab states hosting US forces.