Pope Leo XIV prays for an end to the ‘roar of the bombs’ in the Middle East, expressing deep dismay over the escalating conflict between the US-Israel alliance and Iran.
VATICAN CITY: Pope Leo XIV has made a heartfelt appeal for peace in the Middle East as the conflict triggered by US-Israeli air strikes on Iran entered its ninth day.
The US-born pontiff expressed his “deep dismay” at the continuing news of violence and devastation emanating from the region during his Sunday Angelus prayer.
He voiced particular concern that the conflict could spread further, potentially dragging other nations including “beloved Lebanon” back into instability.
The pope’s plea for the “roar of the bombs” to cease and for weapons to fall silent came as Iran prepared to reveal its new supreme leader following devastating attacks.
US-Israeli air strikes had previously destroyed fuel dumps in Tehran, triggering fires that choked the city under a thick blanket of smoke.
Iran has retaliated with missile and drone attacks targeting numerous Gulf countries and other locations across the wider Middle East.
US President Donald Trump has refused to rule out deploying American ground troops into Iran while insisting the war is progressing speedily.
Pope Leo XIV concluded his appeal by praying for a space to open where dialogue could prevail and the voices of the people could finally be heard.
