Pope Leo XIV urges global leaders to return to dialogue for peace, expressing hope that US President Trump is seeking a way to de-escalate violence in the Middle East.
CASTEL GANDOLFO: Pope Leo XIV expressed hope on Tuesday that US President Donald Trump is actively seeking a way to end the ongoing war in the Middle East. The pontiff made the remarks to journalists as he departed his residence for the Vatican.
“I’m told that President Trump recently stated that he would like to end the war, hopefully he’s looking for an off-ramp, hopefully he’s looking for a way to decrease the amount of violence, of bombing,” the pope said. He added that such a move “would be a significant contribution to removing the hatred that’s being created and that’s increasing constantly in the Middle East and elsewhere.”
The 70-year-old American pontiff reiterated his call for global leaders to pursue dialogue. “I would certainly continue to give this call to all leaders of the world to say: ‘Come back to the table to dialogue, let’s look for solutions of problems’,” he stated.
With the Christian holiday of Easter approaching, Pope Leo described it as a time for peace and deep reflection. He lamented the widespread suffering and deaths, including those of innocent children, seen in many parts of the world.
“We continually make an appeal for peace, but unfortunately many people want to promote hatred, violence and war,” he said. The pope is preparing to celebrate Easter for the first time as pontiff on Sunday.