Pope Leo Urges Peace After Largest US Strike on Iran Nuclear Sites

Following the United States' military strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities, Pope Leo XIV delivered a strong appeal for peace, emphasizing the moral responsibility of the international community to prevent further escalation and avoid an 'irreparable abyss' of war. He condemned the violence, stating that no armed victory can compensate for the suffering of civilians, especially mothers and children, and urged diplomacy to replace conflict. The Pope underscored that war only amplifies problems and inflicts deep wounds that take generations to heal, warning against moral indifference to ongoing suffering in the Middle East, including Gaza and other territories. Without naming specific countries initially, Pope Leo later directly criticized President Donald Trump’s decision to authorize the strikes, reinforcing that war does not solve problems and calling for a diplomatic solution to the crisis. His statements come amid heightened tensions in the region, with Tehran vowing to defend itself and humanitarian agencies seeking increased support for affected civilians. The Pope's message reflects a broader call for global leaders to prioritize peace and humanitarian aid over continued military confrontation.