Pope Leo XIV yesterday urged those responsible for the escalating war in the Middle East to declare a ceasefire and open paths of dialogue, warning that violence can never lead to justice or peace. Source: EWTN News.
“In the name of the Christians of the Middle East and of all women and men of goodwill, I address those responsible for this conflict: let the fire cease and let paths of dialogue be reopened,” the Pope said after praying the Angelus with pilgrims gathered in St Peter’s Square.
The appeal came amid continuing regional tensions and exchanges of attacks in the Middle East.
Earlier on Sunday, US President Donald Trump said Iran was seeking a ceasefire agreement to end US and Israeli bombing, though he said he is not prepared to accept the proposal for now because the “terms are not good enough yet”.
Israel also struck targets in Lebanon, where at least 14 people were reported killed, including four minors. Pope Leo described the situation in the country as “a cause for great concern.”
“I hope that paths of dialogue will open that can help the authorities of the country implement lasting solutions to the serious crisis underway, for the common good of all Lebanese,” he said.
The Pope noted that for the past two weeks the peoples of the Middle East have been suffering “the atrocious violence of war”.
“Thousands of innocent people have been killed and many others have been forced to abandon their homes,” he said, expressing his prayerful closeness to those who have lost loved ones in attacks on schools, hospitals, and residential areas.
“Violence will never lead to the justice, stability, or peace that peoples hope for,” he added.
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Pope urges ceasefire in Middle East (By Victoria Cardiel, EWTN News)
