Pope Leo XIV issued stark warnings in wake of joint U.S.-Israel military operations in Iran, which have ignited regional conflict throughout the Middle East.
This chain of events was the focus of his address after the Angelus this past Sunday:
POPE LEO XIV
Faced with the possibility of a tragedy of immense proportions, I make a heartfelt appeal to all the parties involved to assume the moral responsibility of halting the spiral of violence before it becomes an unbridgeable chasm.
During his address to the diplomatic corps accredited to the Holy See back in January, he emphasized the necessary role of diplomacy within international relations. He did so again this weekend.
POPE LEO XIV
May diplomacy regain its proper role, and may the well-being of peoples, who yearn for peaceful existence founded on justice, be upheld. And let us continue to pray for peace.
Meanwhile, the bishops of the United States have joined the Pope’s appeal for peace:
We urge all parties to recommit to dialogue and to pursue every diplomatic avenue to prevent further loss of human life.
The situation in the Middle East is a cause for global concern. For the Church in particular, there is apprehension regarding about what happens to minorities and innocent civilians when violence breaks out.
MARTA PETROSILLO
Editor-in-chief of ACN Religious Freedom
For instance, in the prison near Tehran, the Evin prison: this prison was recognized as one of the most notorious prisons in the world to deny rights, to oppress prisoners convicted because of religious conscience reasons. And in these prisons, it is believed that 60% of all the Christians prisoners in Iran are convicted because of their faith.
Two appeals are being made from Rome: to Christians, to pray and work for peace; and to the government parties involved, to return to diplomacy.
