A cry for peace from the Vatican; Pope Leo XIV calls for a halt to bombings in Iran and the Middle East
In a warning speech about the war in Iran and the Middle East, Pope Leo XIV called for an immediate halt to the bombings and emphasized that the only way to end the crisis was to silence the weapons and open the path to dialogue.
While military conflicts in Iran and parts of the Middle East have increased global concerns, Pope Leo XIV, the leader of the world's Catholics, expressed deep concern about the consequences of this war and called for an immediate halt to military attacks and the start of peace talks.
Speaking to thousands of pilgrims and tourists after the Angelus prayer in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican on Sunday, the pope said the news was causing "deep concern and sorrow" and that the world must not allow the violence to escalate into a wider crisis, citing reports from Iran and across the Middle East.
In a clear statement, the world's Catholic leader called on the conflicting parties to return to the path of peace, emphasizing: "Let the bombs stop roaring, let the weapons fall silent, and let a space for dialogue be opened; a space in which the voices of the people can be heard."
The Pope continued his speech by warning of the wider consequences of these conflicts. He said that the continuation of the war would not only cause devastation and suffering for the people, but could also destabilize the wider region.
Referring to the violent atmosphere created in the region, he criticized the violent events, destruction, and the widespread atmosphere of hatred and terror, emphasizing that this process may plunge more countries into crisis.
The Pope specifically mentioned Lebanon and warned of the possibility of instability spreading to the country, a country that has been repeatedly affected by regional tensions in recent years.
Meanwhile, some Vatican officials have also expressed concern about the legal and humanitarian consequences of military strikes in the region. The Vatican's top diplomat has warned that preventive wars and military strikes could undermine the principles of international law and lead to widespread global instability.
In another part of his speech, Pope Leo XIV asked the faithful to pray for peace in these difficult days. He entrusted this request to the intercession of Mary, the mother of Jesus, who is known in Christian tradition as the "Queen of Peace."
In this part of his speech, the Pope said: "May he intercede for those who suffer from war and accompany hearts on the path of reconciliation and hope." He also reiterated that lasting peace is achieved not through threats and weapons, but through honest and responsible dialogue between nations.
Pope Leo XIV's remarks also coincided with International Women's Day on March 8. In this part of his message, he referred to the situation of women in different parts of the world and called for respect for their dignity and equal status.
The world's Catholic leader also emphasized the equality of men and women, citing the teachings of the Bible, and added: "Many women face various forms of violence and discrimination from childhood, and my solidarity and prayers are especially addressed to them."
The Pope also called on Christians not to remain silent in the face of the discrimination and violence that women experience in many societies and to stand with them for justice and human dignity.
Pope Leo XIV's recent remarks are part of the Vatican's ongoing efforts to emphasize peace in global crises. In recent weeks, he has repeatedly urged world leaders to pursue diplomatic and humanitarian solutions rather than escalating conflicts.
As tensions continue to rise in the Middle East, many religious leaders and international institutions have expressed similar concerns. In such circumstances, the Vatican's message is a reminder that amidst the sounds of war, there is still a cry for peace, prayer and reconciliation.
