Pope Leo XIV has reacted to the ongoing fighting between the United States in collaboration with Israel against Iran, saying, “stability and peace” cannot be “achieved through the use of weapons”.
The Pope’s reaction on X is coming following the announcement of the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, by Donald Trump, President of the United States (US).
The Sovereign of the Vatican City State said, “mutual threat” will only bring about “destruction, death”, and called for a “reasonable” dialogue to end the “tumultuous time” in the Middle East and in Iran.
Pope Leo XIV reacted: “I am following with deep concern what is happening in the Middle East and in Iran during this tumultuous time.
“Stability and peace are not achieved through mutual threats, nor through the use of weapons, which sow destruction, suffering, and death, but only through reasonable, sincere, and responsible dialogue.”
The Head of the Catholic Church pleaded with all parties involved to work towards ending the “spiral of violence” in the region before it burgeons into an “unbridgeable chasm”.
Benjamin Netanyu, Prime Minister of Israel, in his address to the people of Iran following the killing of Khamenei, his family and top Iranian security officials, announced, Israel will continue to bomb the country until thousands of targets are hit.
The Bishop of Rome called for the return of “diplomacy” and encouraged that the prayer for peace continues.
Pope Leo XIV further reacted: “Faced with the possibility of a tragedy of immense proportions, I make a heartfelt appeal to all the parties involved to assume the moral responsibility of halting the spiral of violence before it becomes an unbridgeable chasm.
“May diplomacy regain its proper role, and may the well-being of peoples, who yearn for peaceful existence founded on justice, be upheld. And let us continue to pray for peace.”
The Foreign Ministry of Iran condemned the killing of Khamenei by the American and Israeli Forces during the diplomatic conversation between Tehran and Washington as regards Iran’s nuclear programme.
The recent strikes happened while Oman was mediating talks between the United States (US) and Iran, with the most recent talks held in Swiss city of Geneva on February 26.
Presisent of Iran Pezeshkian’s reaction to Khamenei death
President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Masoud Pezeshkian, described the killing of Khamenei as a “fiery martyrdom” and said, Iran will not stop to “pursue” the country’s path of “pride and independence”.
Pezeshkian added, the martyrdom of Khamenei will not prevent Iran’s “determination” to accomplish its “duties and responsibilities”.
President Pezeshkian said: “The fiery martyrdom of the wise Leader of the Islamic Revolution will remain with the Iranian nation for many years to come.
“The martyrdom of Iran’s dear ones will not create any hindrance in the determination of the government of the Islamic Republic of Iran to fulfill its duties and responsibilities.
“We remain steadfast in pursuing the path of Iran’s pride, independence, and glory.”
America’s War Secretary Hegseth’s statement on Iran’s Nuclear programme
Pete Hegseth, Secretary of War of the United States (US), has made known via X, the Trump government will not “tolerate” the people of America being targeted by “powerful” missiles.
He said, President Trump has stood his ground all his life on Iran’s Nuclear Programme that, “Iran will never have a nuclear weapon”.
Hegseth warned anyone who “kills or threatens” Americans anywhere in the world like Iran will be “hunted down” and “killed”.
He added, American “Warriors are the best in the world”, and have been let loose to achieve America’s objectives.
Pete Hegseth said: “The Iranian regime had their chance, yet refused to make a deal. We will not tolerate powerful missiles targeting the American people.
“And, as President Trump has said his entire life, Iran will never have a nuclear weapon.
“The United States did not start this conflict, but we will finish it. If you kill or threaten Americans anywhere in the world — as Iran has — then we will hunt you down, and we will kill you.
“Our warriors are the best in the world, and they are fully unleashed to achieve our objectives.”
