01.03.2026 15:20
As the war escalates with attacks by the US and Israel on Iran, spreading throughout the region, Pope Leo announced that he is watching the developments "with deep concern." In his speech at St. Peter's Square, Pope Leo stated, "I sincerely call on the parties to take on their moral responsibility to stop this before the spiral of violence turns into an irreparable abyss."
As conflicts that began with the attacks of the US and Israel on Iran continue to spread throughout the region, a notable statement came from Pope Leo, the spiritual leader of the Catholic world. The Pope expressed that he is following the increasing military tension "with deep concern" and called for urgent restraint from the parties involved.
After the Sunday prayer in St. Peter's Square, Pope Leo addressed the pilgrims, saying, "I sincerely urge the parties to take on their moral responsibility to stop this before the spiral of violence turns into an irreparable abyss."
The Pope emphasized that peace cannot be built through threats and weapons. He stated, "Stability and peace are not established through mutual threats or weapons; they are achieved through reasonable, sincere, and responsible dialogue."
TENSION ESCALATES IN WAR
The Pope's statement came at a time when conflicts in the Middle East have entered a new phase. Following the operations targeting high-level objectives in Iran by the US and Israel, the Tehran administration launched retaliatory attacks. US bases in the region, Israeli cities, and strategic points became targets of mutual attacks.
Recent developments such as the use of hypersonic missiles, strikes on air bases, and the destruction of fighter jets have broadened the scope of the conflict. While the alert level has risen in Gulf countries, energy markets and global financial systems have also been affected by the developments.
CALLS FOR DIPLOMACY INCREASE
Many international actors, including the United Nations and the European Union, have accelerated their diplomatic efforts to prevent the spread of the conflict. The statement from Pope Leo has been regarded as one of the strongest calls for peace from religious and humanitarian circles.
Vatican sources reported that the Pope is closely monitoring the developments and has called for prayers to prevent the humanitarian crisis from worsening. While military activity continues in the Middle East, the international public is closely watching whether the parties will return to diplomatic channels.