Pope Leo XIV on Sunday appealed for an end to the escalating violence in the Middle East, praying that the “roar of bombs” would fall silent as the conflict ignited by US-Israeli air strikes on Iran entered its ninth day.
Delivering remarks after the Angelus prayer, the US-born pontiff said recent developments in the region were deeply disturbing.
He noted that reports emerging from the area “continues to arouse deep dismay”.
The pope cautioned that the persistent violence and destruction were fueling anxiety and resentment across the region, heightening fears that the crisis could spread further.
“Added to the episodes of violence and devastation and the widespread climate of hatred and fear, is the fear that the conflict will spread, and that other countries in the region, including beloved Lebanon, may once again sink into instability,” he said.
At the same time, Iran was reportedly preparing to unveil a new supreme leader after air strikes by the United States and Israel hit fuel storage facilities, sparking large fires and sending thick plumes of smoke over vast areas of the capital, Tehran.
In response, Iran has carried out missile and drone strikes, reportedly targeting several Gulf states and other locations across the Middle East.
Amid the rising tensions, Donald Trump has not dismissed the possibility of deploying American ground troops into Iran, although he insists the ongoing military campaign is progressing swiftly.
Pope Leo XIV expressed hope for an immediate end to the fighting and a return to diplomacy.
“I pray that the roar of the bombs may cease, the weapons may fall silent, and a space for dialogue may open in which the voices of the peoples may be heard,” he said.
Iran: Roar of bombs in Middle East will end – Pope Leo