Pope Leo has urged an immediate ceasefire in the widening conflict involving Iran, warning that continued violence is bringing immense suffering to civilians across the Middle East.
Speaking during the weekly Angelus prayer in St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City, the pope lamented what he described as “atrocious violence” that has killed thousands of non-combatants and forced many people to flee their homes.
“For two weeks, the peoples of the Middle East have been suffering the atrocious violence of war,” he said, appealing to leaders involved in the conflict to stop the fighting.
The pope warned that war cannot deliver the justice, stability, and peace that people in the region are seeking and called on all sides to pursue dialogue instead.
He also expressed deep concern about the situation in Lebanon, where hostilities involving Israel and the group Hezbollah have worsened the country’s political and humanitarian crisis.
Pope Leo said he hopes renewed dialogue will help Lebanese authorities find lasting solutions for the country and protect the wellbeing of its people.
Source: TRT World
