Pope Leo calls for diplomacy amid escalation in Middle East

Amid a sharp escalation in Middle East tensions following coordinated US and Israeli strikes on Iran’s key nuclear facilities, Pope Leo has urged the international community to prioritize diplomacy and prevent war from spiraling into what he called an "irreparable abyss."

During his traditional Sunday Angelus prayer with pilgrims at the Vatican, the pontiff emphasized the urgent need to halt armed conflict and pursue peaceful solutions through dialogue.

“Every member of the international community has a moral responsibility: to stop the tragedy of war before it becomes an irreparable abyss,” Pope Leo said.

The Pope’s remarks came hours after US forces targeted Iran’s nuclear sites in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, in support of ongoing Israeli military operations. Tehran has vowed to retaliate, warning of far-reaching consequences.

Pope Leo condemned the toll of armed conflict, saying:

“No armed victory can compensate for the pain of mothers, the fear of children, the stolen future. Let diplomacy silence the weapons, let nations chart their future with peace efforts, not with violence and bloody conflicts.”

He also turned attention to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the Palestinian territories, noting the suffering of civilians caught in protracted conflict.

“In this dramatic scenario, which includes Israel and Palestine, the daily suffering of the population, especially in Gaza and other territories, risks being forgotten, where the need for adequate humanitarian support is becoming increasingly urgent,” he said.