Pope Renews Urgent Call for Peace in Middle East, Demands Ceasefire and Return to Dialogue

Pope Leo XIV has renewed his appeal for peace in the Middle East, calling for an immediate ceasefire and the reopening of dialogue as violence across the region continues to claim lives and displace thousands.

Speaking during his weekly Angelus prayer at the St. Peter’s Square, the American pontiff lamented the worsening humanitarian toll of the conflict, describing the past two weeks as a period of “atrocious violence” for the peoples of the region.

“Dear brothers and sisters, for two weeks the peoples of the Middle East have suffered the atrocious violence of war,” he said.

The pope noted that thousands of innocent civilians had been killed, while many more had been forced to flee their homes amid sustained attacks on civilian areas. He also expressed solidarity with families grieving loved ones lost in strikes on schools, hospitals, and residential communities.

“I renew my closeness to all those who have lost loved ones in the attacks that have hit schools, hospitals, and residential areas,” he said.

Pope Leo XIV further identified Lebanon as a particular source of concern, warning that instability there could deepen if the conflict continues to spread.

Addressing leaders involved in the conflict, he issued a direct plea for restraint and renewed diplomacy.

“On behalf of the Christians of the Middle East and of all women and men of goodwill, I address those responsible for this conflict: cease fire. Let paths of dialogue be reopened,” he said.

The pontiff stressed that military force cannot deliver the justice, stability, and peace long desired by the people of the region.

“Violence can never lead to the justice, stability and peace that people await,” he added.