Pope Leo expressed sorrow over civilians who have lost their lives in the ongoing war in the Middle East, according to multiple reports. He made a strong appeal to world leaders to show restraint and emphasized that the path to lasting peace never goes through blockades or use of force, but through fair dialogue. In a social media message, the Pope appealed for a ceasefire and the reopening of dialogue paths, stating that violence cannot lead to justice, stability, and peace, according to major media reports.
In his comments, Pope Leo mentioned attacks that targeted a school, an apparent reference to the missile strike on an elementary school in Iran in the opening days of the war that killed over 165 people, many of them children, according to AP. He said he was close to the families of those who had been killed in the attacks which have hit schools, hospitals and residential centers, AP reported. The Pope added that prayers should continue for peace in Iran and the Middle East, especially for civilian victims including children, according to AP.
On behalf of the Christians of the Middle East, and of all women and men of good will, I appeal to those responsible for this conflict: ceasefire! May paths of dialogue be reopened! Violence can never lead to the justice, stability and peace for which the peoples are waiting.
Pope Leo delivered a Palm Sunday sermon at St. Peter's Square focusing on the tense situation in the Middle East and the Strait of Hormuz, multiple reports indicate. Last week, Pope Leo also sent a message of peace amid the escalating US-Israeli campaign against Iran, according to major media. In another social media message, Pope Leo expressed deep dismay at the conflict in the Middle East and warned that the region may once again sink into instability, major media reports. He wrote that reports from Iran and across the Middle East cause dismay and raise fears of conflict expansion, including in Lebanon, urging prayers for an end to violence and space for dialogue, according to major media.
Pope Leo expressed particular concern about the impact of the war in Lebanon, where aid groups are warning of a humanitarian crisis, the Associated Press reported. His message came as Israel intensifies its ground invasion in Lebanon, major media notes.
Let us continue to pray for peace in Iran, and in the Middle East, especially for the many civilian victims, including many children.
Notably, Pope Leo did not cite the United States or Israel by name in his comments at the end of his Sunday noon blessing, AP reported. Earlier last week, the Israel Defence Forces said they were currently conducting simultaneous targeted strikes against military targets in Tehran and Beirut.
The current status of the humanitarian crisis in Lebanon, and what specific aid is being provided, remains unclear. What specific actions or responses world leaders have taken in response to Pope Leo's appeal for ceasefire and dialogue is unknown.
Reports from #Iran and across the entire Middle East continue to cause deep dismay and raise the fear that the conflict will expand, and that other countries in the region, including dear Lebanon, may once again sink into instability. Let us pray together for the roar of bombs to cease, weapons to fall silent, and space to open for dialogue, in which people's voices may be heard.
The details of the missile strike on the elementary school in Iran, such as the exact date, location, and responsible party, have not been confirmed. The current military situation on the ground in Lebanon and Iran, beyond the reported IDF strikes, is not detailed in available reports. How the parties directly involved in the conflict, such as the US, Israel, and Iran, have officially responded to Pope Leo's messages has not been disclosed.