Pope Leo XIV, seen here on May 18, 2025, called for a cease-fire Sunday in the war in Iran. File Photo by Stefano Spaziani/UPI | License Photo
Pope Leo XIV called for a cease-fire in the Middle East on Sunday, issuing his strongest and most direct demand to date for an end to the U.S.-Israeli war in Iran as the conflict entered its third week.
“On behalf of the Christians of the Middle East, and of all women and men of good will, I appeal to those responsible for this conflict: Cease fire!,” the pope said during the Angelus in St. Peter’s Square.
The pope made no mention of the United States, Israel or Iran by name, though the three countires have been embroiled in a deepening war since the two allies attacked the Middle Eastern country on Feb. 28.
More than 2,000 people have been killed in the war, according to available casualty figures.
The pope remarked that the people of the Middle East have suffered because of the war.
“Thousands of innocent people have been killed and countless others have been forced to flee their homes,” he said.
“I renew my prayerful closeness to all who have lost loved ones in the attacks, which have struck schools, hospitals and residential areas.”
At least 1,230 people have been killed in Iran, including about 175 students and teachers at an elementary school, the Iranian Red Crescent reported last week, according to Radio Farda, the Persian-language service of U.S.-funded Free Europe/Radio Liberty.
Thirteen U.S. service members have been killed in the war, according to the Pentagon.
The war appears to be expanding throughout the Middle East as Iran has been attacking U.S. allies in the region. In Lebanon, fighting between Iran-backed Hezbollah and Israel has prompted United Nations officials to call for immediate humanitarian assistance.
Lebanese health officials said at least 850 people have been killed since March 2, with another 2,105 wounded.
The United States and Israel launched their attack on Iran amid Washington-Tehran nuclear negotiations. Despite no sign that the two sides are open to talking, the pope on Sunday called for a resumption of dialogue to end the fighting.
“May paths of dialogue be reopened!” he said. “Violence can never lead to the justice, stability and peace for which the peoples are waiting.”
On Lebanon, he said the situation there was of “great concern” and that he hoped “that avenues for dialogue will emerge.”
