Pope Leo XIV has called for an immediate end to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, urging all parties involved to halt hostilities and return to dialogue in pursuit of peace.
In a post on X on Sunday, the pontiff made a passionate appeal for a ceasefire in the region.
“On behalf of the Christians of the #MiddleEast, and of all women and men of good will, I appeal to those responsible for this conflict: cease fire!
“May paths of dialogue be reopened! Violence can never lead to the justice, stability and peace for which the people are waiting,” he wrote.
However, there is little indication that the pope’s appeal will be heeded, as the parties involved in the conflict have so far rejected calls for a ceasefire.
The war began after the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran amid ongoing negotiations, triggering a wider escalation across West Asia. More than 2,000 people have reportedly been killed, including 168 Iranian schoolgirls.
Last week, Pope Leo also mourned the death of Lebanese priest Pierre El-Rahi, who was killed by Israeli tank fire in Lebanon.
The Maronite Catholic priest died in Qlayaa, a village in southern Lebanon.
Efforts to open diplomatic channels have so far failed. Oman and several other countries have reportedly attempted to facilitate communication, but the White House has indicated it is not interested in engaging at this stage.
Meanwhile, Donald Trump said on Saturday that Iranian officials had reached out seeking a deal, but that the proposed terms “aren’t good enough yet”.
He added that any ceasefire agreement would have to be “very solid”.
Iran has also ruled out a ceasefire unless US and Israeli strikes stop.
The continued reluctance by both sides to begin ceasefire talks suggests the conflict could evolve into a prolonged confrontation.