Pope Leo urges "reason" and "dialogue" amid escalating Israel-Iran conflict

Pope Leo, on June 14, issued a powerful call for peace, urging the leaders of Iran and Israel to act with "reason" and pursue dialogue after a wave of deadly airstrikes between the two countries left dozens dead and sent civilians fleeing to shelters.

"In such a delicate moment, I strongly wish to renew an appeal to responsibility and to reason," said the pontiff during remarks delivered in St. Peter's Basilica. The statement marks one of the strongest peace appeals yet from Pope Leo, now in the fifth week of his papacy, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

"The commitment to building a safer world free from the nuclear threat must be pursued through respectful encounters and sincere dialogue to build a lasting peace, founded on justice, fraternity, and the common good," he added.

Pope Leo also stressed the moral imperative of preserving human life and coexistence: "No one should ever threaten the existence of another. It is the duty of all countries to support the cause of peace, initiating paths of reconciliation and promoting solutions that guarantee security and dignity for all."

The Pope read the appeal in Italian from a prepared text — a characteristic approach for Leo, who, unlike his predecessor Francis, is known for measured public statements. Leo was elected on May 8, becoming the first pope from the United States.

The Vatican’s concern comes as Israel and Iran exchange the most intense hostilities seen in recent years. Early Friday, Israel launched a large-scale assault on Iranian territory, targeting senior commanders, military installations, and nuclear sites in what it described as a “preemptive strike” against Iran’s alleged nuclear weapons ambitions.

Iran, which denies it is developing nuclear weapons, responded by firing waves of missiles at Israeli territory. At least four people were killed and dozens injured in the retaliatory barrage.

By Vugar Khalilov