Pope Leo Calls for End to Bombings and Urges Dialogue

Tehran - BORNA - The leader of the world’s Catholics made the remarks during the Angelus prayer in St. Peter's Square, warning that the ongoing confrontation following attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran risks spreading fear and hatred across the region.

He cautioned that the conflict could expand beyond its current scope and destabilize other countries.

“Alongside violence and destruction, and an atmosphere filled with hatred and fear, there is growing concern that the conflict may spread and that other countries in the region, including beloved Lebanon, could once again fall into instability,” the pope said.

He also called for an immediate halt to the fighting.

“Let us raise our humble prayers to God so that the roar of bombs may cease, weapons may fall silent, and space may open for dialogue where the voice of the people can be heard,” he said.

Earlier, a senior diplomat at the Holy See had issued an unusually direct criticism of the military campaign, warning that U.S. and Israeli attacks undermine international law and that states do not have the right to launch preventive wars.

The United States and Israel have been carrying out strikes against Iran for the past nine days, resulting in the deaths of many civilians while also affecting civilian infrastructure, according to reports.

End Article