The head of the Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV, on Sunday renewed his appeal for peace in the Middle East, urging an immediate end to hostilities and the resumption of dialogue among parties involved in the conflict.
Speaking during his weekly Angelus prayer at the Vatican, the pontiff lamented the growing humanitarian toll of the war, noting that innocent civilians continue to bear the brunt of the violence.
“Dear brothers and sisters, for two weeks the peoples of the Middle East have suffered the atrocious violence of war,” the Pope said.
He expressed sorrow over the rising number of casualties and displaced persons caused by the ongoing conflict.
“Thousands of innocent people have been killed, and countless others have been forced to flee their homes,” he said.
The Pope also conveyed solidarity with families who have lost loved ones during the attacks, particularly those affecting civilian infrastructure.
“I renew my closeness to all those who have lost loved ones in the attacks that have hit schools, hospitals and residential areas,” he added.
The pontiff described the situation in Lebanon as especially troubling, calling for urgent efforts to halt the violence.
Addressing leaders and parties involved in the conflict, he urged them to embrace dialogue and work toward peace.
“On behalf of the Christians of the Middle East and all women and men of goodwill, I address those responsible for this conflict,” he said. “Cease fire! Let paths of dialogue be reopened.”
He stressed that violence cannot deliver the stability and justice people in the region seek.
“Violence can never lead to the justice, stability and peace that people await,” the Pope said.
