Iran's President Appeals to Pope for Peace

Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian has appealed to Pope Francis to leverage his influence with Christian governments to halt the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, particularly condemning the actions of Israel. This request was conveyed during a religious dialogue event at the Vatican, coinciding with the Pope's recent criticisms of Israel's military actions in Gaza, which he suggested could amount to genocide. Pezeshkian emphasized the need for a ceasefire and humanitarian aid for victims, highlighting the humanitarian crisis as a result of the violence. He noted Iran's commitment to constructively engage with the Vatican in promoting peace and justice. The longstanding diplomatic relations between Iran and the Holy See date back to 1954, underscoring the significance of this dialogue. Despite Iran's restraint in response to provocations, the President condemned Israel's ongoing military operations, particularly in Gaza and Lebanon.