Pope Leo XIV requires fast ceasefire in Iran battle

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Pope Leo XIV on Sunday known as for a direct ceasefire within the battle involving Iran, delivering his strongest remarks but on the battle and urging leaders liable for the preventing to halt violence after lethal strikes that hit colleges and civilian areas.

The Related Press reported the pope made the remarks on the finish of his Sunday midday blessing on the Vatican, the place he appealed to leaders concerned within the battle to halt the preventing and pursue dialogue as a substitute of continued army escalation.

"On behalf of the Christians of the Center East and all men and women of fine will, I enchantment to these liable for this battle," Leo stated. "Stop fireplace in order that avenues for dialogue could also be reopened. Violence can by no means result in the justice, stability, and peace that the persons are ready for."

Leo didn't cite the U.S. or Israel by title, although he appeared to reference an assault within the opening days of the battle that struck a faculty in Iran and killed greater than 165 folks, a lot of them kids.

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Pope Leo XIV known as Sunday for a direct ceasefire within the battle involving Iran. (Alberto Pizzoli/AFP by way of Getty Photos)

U.S. officers stated the strike could have been primarily based on outdated intelligence, and an investigation into the incident is underway.

The pope stated he was significantly near the households of victims killed in assaults which have struck colleges, hospitals and residential areas in the course of the battle.

He additionally expressed concern in regards to the influence of the fighting in Lebanon , the place assist teams have warned the escalating battle may set off a humanitarian disaster.

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This image obtained from Iran's ISNA information company exhibits the location of a strike on a women' faculty in Minab, in Iran's southern Hormozgan province, on Feb. 28, 2026. (Ali Najafi/ISNA/AFP by way of Getty Photos)

Christian communities in southern Lebanon are of specific concern to the Vatican, as they've lengthy been seen as an necessary presence for Christians throughout a largely Muslim area.

For a lot of the 2 weeks for the reason that battle started, Leo has restricted his public feedback to broader appeals for peace and dialogue whereas avoiding direct references to the U.S. or Israel – a stance in line with the Vatican’s longstanding tradition of diplomatic neutrality .

Some Catholic leaders, nevertheless, have taken a extra direct stance on the battle.

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Pope Leo XIV arrives to carry his weekly normal viewers in St. Peter's Sq., on the Vatican on March 4, 2026. (Alessandra Tarantino/AP Picture)

Cardinal Robert McElroy, the archbishop of Washington, described the war as morally unjustifiable, whereas Chicago Cardinal Blase Cupich criticized the White Home for sharing social media posts in regards to the battle that included video game-style imagery.

In the meantime, Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin rejected Washington’s characterization of the preventing as a "preventive battle," however stated the Holy See continues to maintain traces of communication open with all sides.

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"The Holy See speaks with everybody," Parolin stated. "When essential we converse additionally with the Individuals, with the Israelis and present them what to us are the options."