Pope Leo Condemns US-Israeli War on Iran, Calls for Immediate Ceasefire

Vatican - Ekhbary News Agency

Pope Leo Condemns US-Israeli War on Iran, Calls for Immediate Ceasefire

Pope Leo XIV, the head of the Catholic Church, has issued a powerful denunciation of the escalating military conflict in the Middle East, specifically targeting the US-Israeli campaign against Iran. Speaking during his weekly Angelus prayer on Sunday from St. Peter's Square to a large gathering of faithful, the Pontiff issued a stark call for an immediate cessation of hostilities. He described the violence that has plagued the region for the past two weeks as "horrific" and detrimental to the well-being of its inhabitants, emphasizing that lasting peace cannot be built on a foundation of aggression and destruction.

The Pope, identified in reports as being "Chicago-born," forcefully articulated his belief that "stability can never be achieved through violence." He further conveyed his deep empathy, stating, "I renew my prayerful closeness to all who have lost loved ones in the attacks, which have struck schools, hospitals and residential areas." These words underscore his profound concern over the human cost of the conflict and the apparent disregard for civilian life and infrastructure, highlighting the tragic consequences of the military operations.

The gravity of the situation was further illustrated by specific accounts of the attacks. On the initial day of the military offensive, a suspected US Tomahawk cruise missile reportedly struck the Shajarah Tayyebeh girls' school, resulting in the deaths of at least 175 people, predominantly children. This incident, described as one of the most tragic of the conflict, serves as a grim testament to the devastating human toll and raises serious questions about the targeting of educational facilities amidst wartime.

Beyond mere condemnation, Pope Leo urged "all sides of the conflict to stop the hostilities and reopen 'paths of dialogue.'" He also expressed significant concern regarding recent developments in Lebanon, which has seen a sharp escalation in tensions. Reports indicate that Israel has conducted airstrikes against Lebanon in recent weeks, in retaliation for rocket attacks launched by Hezbollah targeting Israeli territory. These actions appear to be part of a cycle of retribution, reportedly following the assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a US-Israeli strike, further entangling regional actors in a complex web of conflict.

Reiterating his core message, the Pontiff warned, "Violence can never lead to justice, stability and peace for which the peoples are waiting." His commitment to peace was further evidenced during a visit to a Rome parish later the same day, where he explicitly denounced the notion that disputes could be resolved through warfare, labeling it "absurd." This consistent emphasis on non-violence and dialogue positions the Vatican as a moral voice amidst a landscape of escalating military actions.

These papal appeals arrive amidst a highly charged political climate. Reports suggest that US President Donald Trump has rejected overtures from Washington's Middle Eastern allies aimed at initiating negotiations with Tehran. In a statement posted on Truth Social in early March, Trump declared, "There will be no deal with Iran except UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER." This hardline stance signals a clear strategy of escalation from the current US administration and effectively closes the door on diplomatic solutions, at least for the time being.

Conversely, Tehran maintains that lasting peace is unattainable unless US forces withdraw entirely from the Middle East. Mohsen Rezaee, a member of the advisory board to Iran's supreme leader, has characterized the American military presence in the region as "the main cause of insecurity over the past 50 years." This stark divergence in positions highlights the profound depth and complexity of the crisis, rendering the pursuit of peace an exceptionally challenging endeavor.

Pope Leo XIV's calls for peace and dialogue serve as a crucial intervention, aiming to break the cycle of violence and re-center the discourse on humanistic and ethical values amidst a complex geopolitical struggle. As political rhetoric intensifies and military actions escalate, the voice of faith and morality emerges, advocating for peace and dialogue as the only viable path out of the current crisis. The critical question remains whether these appeals will resonate amidst the conflicting interests and competing agendas at play in the region.

Ekhbary News Agency