Pope Leo: May weapons fall silent in Iran

Vatican News

After praying the Angelus in St Peter’s Square on Sunday, Pope Leo’s thoughts turned to the Middle East, from which, he said, “news continues to arrive that causes deep dismay”.

Speaking to the some fifteen thousand pilgrims gathered in St Peter’s Square, the Pope mentioned in particular the “violence and devastation” and “widespread climate of hatred and fear” in Iran and across the region.

He also stressed his fear that the conflict might cause nearby countries, such as “beloved Lebanon”, to once again “sink into instability”.

Pope Leo invited his listeners to pray that “the roar of bombs might cease, that weapons might fall silent, and that a space for dialogue might open, in which the voice of the peoples may be heard.”

He said that he was entrusting his prayer to Mary, Queen of Peace, who he also asked to “intercede for those who suffer because of war” and “guide hearts along paths of reconciliation and hope”.

Peace not built with threats

A week ago, at last Sunday’s Angelus, Pope Leo XIV expressed “deep concern” over the situation in the Middle East and Iran.

“Stability and peace are not built with mutual threats, nor with weapons, which sow destruction, pain, and death, but only through a reasonable, authentic, and responsible dialogue,” he said.

The Pope warned of an immense tragedy if violence escalates out of control.

“Faced with the possibility of a tragedy of enormous proportions,” he said, “I address to the parties involved a heartfelt appeal to assume the moral responsibility to stop the spiral of violence before it becomes an irreparable abyss!”

Pope Leo prayed that nations may return to dialogue in order to seek peace.

“May diplomacy recover its role and may the good of peoples be promoted, peoples who long for peaceful coexistence founded on justice,” he said. “And let us continue to pray for peace.”