Pope Leo XIV has renewed his appeal “to responsibility and reason”, calling on warring parties, Iran and Israel, to embrace “dialogue”.
The Head of the Catholic Church said, “no one should ever threaten the existence of another.”
The Pope’s plea is coming as the fighting between Iran and Israel intensifies with the two sides launching missile strikes at each other on Saturday.
The Bishop of Rome said, “the commitment to build a safer world, free from nuclear threats, must be pursued through mutual respect and sincere dialogue”, adding, this will bring about “lasting peace founded on justice, fraternity, and the common good”.
The United Nations (UN) Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, also called for restraint from both sides, saying, it is “time to stop”, adding, “enough escalation”.
In his call for peace, Pope Leo XIV wrote on his official X account: “The situation in Iran and Israel has deteriorated drastically. I renew my appeal to responsibility and reason.
“The commitment to build a safer world, free from nuclear threats, must be pursued through mutual respect and sincere dialogue, in order to build lasting peace founded on justice, fraternity, and the common good.
“No one should ever threaten the existence of another. It is the duty of all countries to support the cause of peace, initiating paths of reconciliation and promoting solutions that ensure security and dignity for all!”
