Pope Leo XIV on Sunday expressed deep concern over the rapidly escalating conflict in the Middle East following recent United States and Israeli strikes on Iran, urging all sides to halt what he described as a dangerous “spiral of violence” before it becomes an “irreparable abyss.”
Speaking during his weekly address to pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, the Pope said that stability and peace cannot be built through threats or weapons but only through “reasonable, authentic and responsible dialogue.” He appealed to leaders and parties involved in the fighting to take up their moral responsibility and turn back from escalating hostilities.
“Faced with the possibility of a tragedy of enormous proportions,” Pope Leo said, “I make a heartfelt appeal to the parties involved to stop the spiral of violence before it becomes an irreparable abyss.” His message emphasised that peace requires renewed commitment to diplomacy, restraint and the promotion of the common good for all peoples affected by the conflict.
The Pope’s remarks come amid one of the most volatile periods in the region in decades, with military actions continuing after the strikes on Tehran and other Iranian targets, and Iran’s subsequent missile and drone attacks on Israel and neighbouring countries. The Vatican leader prayed that nations would seek diplomatic solutions and that dialogues rooted in justice and peaceful coexistence be pursued urgently.
His appeal reflects broader international calls for de‑escalation and a return to talks even as hostilities show no sign of abating, signalling deep global concern over the widening conflict and its humanitarian impact.
