Pope Leo XIV Calls for Peace Amid Iran-Israel Tensions
Pope Leo XIV addressed the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel on Wednesday, emphasizing the need for global peace and denouncing the use of “science weapons of all kinds.”
During a general audience, the Pope referenced a dire warning made by Pope Pius XII in 1939 about the imminent danger of conflict, noting, “there is still time” to avoid catastrophe. This warning came just days before World War II ignited in Europe, sparking widespread destruction and ending imperial rule.
In a significant military response, Israel launched an operation against Tehran last Friday, prompted by intelligence suggesting Iran is capable of developing multiple nuclear weapons. This action followed unsuccessful negotiations between the US and Iran regarding a new framework to replace the old Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) nuclear deal. Iran has persistently resisted calls to curb its rapid uranium enrichment, demanding sanctions relief but without making concessions.
Shortly before the Israeli operation, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) passed a resolution to rebuke Iran for its enrichment activities, marking the first such resolution in nearly two decades.
While the Pope did not specifically mention nuclear weapons, he expressed his strong opposition to modern warfare tools. “We should never get used to war,” he said, urging nations to reject the allure of advanced weaponry. He reiterated the sentiment that powerful modern weapons could lead to ruin greater than any past conflicts.
“In the name of human dignity and international law, I echo Pope Francis: ‘War is always defeated,'” he said in a statement shared on social media.
Pope Leo also highlighted the ongoing crises in Ukraine and the conflict involving Israel and the Iran-backed Hamas.
His reference to Pope Pius XII stirred memories of the urgent warnings before World War II. “The path of justice is primarily guided by reason, not force,” he remarked, urging leaders to resolve issues through dialogue rather than weaponry.
Pope Leo’s warning came in response to ostensibly peace-rejecting remarks from Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In a recent speech, Khamenei stated that Iran would not yield to demands for a peace settlement, asserting that his nation “will never surrender” to external pressures.
Khamenei did not detail specific conditions for peace or express willingness to halt Iran’s military actions against Israel, maintaining that Iran prefers diplomacy grounded in respect and understanding. He ended his speech with a warning directed at the US.
In the course of the reporting, at least 24 civilians in Iran were reported killed due to Israeli strikes.
Meanwhile, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops issued a statement calling for peace and cautioning against the proliferation of nuclear arms in the Middle East. They urged all involved to commit to diplomatic efforts to achieve lasting peace between Israel and Iran.
“It is the responsibility of all nations to advocate for peace and pursue ways to ensure safety and dignity for everyone,” their statement concluded.
