Ceasefire Welcomed by Pope Leo XIV
Pope Leo XIV expressed hope during a weekly gathering on Wednesday, commending the ceasefire between Israel and Iran. He urged the nation to set aside plans for revenge and pursue a path toward lasting peace.
In his remarks at the Vatican’s general audience, the Pope, who has frequently discussed various conflicts since taking office, addressed ongoing tensions in the Middle East as well as the war in Ukraine. This is his most recent commentary regarding military actions against Iran, following calls for peace from Israel and the United States over the weekend.
“I continue to think about Iran, Israel, and Palestine with concern but also with hope,” he stated in a summary posted on social media. He quoted the prophet Isaiah, emphasizing the need for nations to refrain from violence: “The nation shall not lift its sword against the nation; they will not learn more about war.”
“It’s crucial to listen to this message! Reject arrogance and revenge, and instead embrace conversation, diplomacy, and #peace,” he concluded.
The Pope also highlighted the importance of diplomacy for healing the wounds caused by recent violent actions.
During his audience, he focused on finding hope through Jesus Christ, stating that Jesus can overcome despair and death.
“Life brings moments of disappointment and sorrow, even death,” he shared. “Let us turn to Jesus, who can heal us and resurrect us. He embodies our hope!”
“He not only heals physical ailments, but He also brings life beyond death,” Pope Leo continued. “For God, eternal life means that physical death is just a sleep. True death affects the soul, and we must be mindful of that!”
Throughout this year, tensions in the Middle East have remained high as attempts to negotiate peace between the Trump administration and Iran failed, primarily over nuclear weapon concerns. Iran’s leadership continues to chant “death to America” and “death to Israel,” while it has been advancing its nuclear programs. Iranian officials deny they are pursuing nuclear weapons, although their uranium enrichment levels exceed what’s necessary for peaceful purposes, raising suspicions in Washington and Jerusalem.
On June 12, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) condemned Iran for breaching international nuclear development laws. The agency’s officials accused Iran of concealing enrichment sites from inspectors. Soon after, Israel launched a military operation aimed at preventing potential nuclear strikes, resulting in the deaths of several Iranian nuclear scientists and military leaders, as well as attacks on missile facilities.
The U.S. also participated in military actions over the weekend, targeting Iranian nuclear sites. President Trump characterized the strikes as a significant success, maintaining that he did not intend to engage in prolonged military actions against Iran.
Pope Leo described the developments following the U.S. strikes as “amazing news,” calling on all parties involved to pursue peace.
“Humanity is now more than ever pleading for peace,” he stated, urging leaders to “curtail the tragedy of war before it becomes an irreversible calamity.”
He pointed out the ongoing suffering, particularly among those in Gaza and surrounding areas, emphasizing that if human dignity is at stake, no conflict is too distant. “War exacerbates problems and leaves deep scars on a nation’s history that takes time to heal,” the Pope argued.
On Monday, President Trump announced that Iran and Israel had agreed to a ceasefire.
“Great news! There is a complete ceasefire between Israel and Iran,” he posted on Truth Social.
“This conflict has persisted for years, but it’s coming to an end!” the president declared. “God bless Israel, God bless Iran, and God bless the Middle East!”
Following a final violation by Iran on Monday, it was reported that the ceasefire was holding as of Wednesday afternoon, Washington time.
