Pope Leo welcomes US–Iran interim deal, urges dialogue

Pope Leo has welcomed the interim agreement between the United States and Iran aimed at ending the regional conflict in the Middle East, expressing hope that it will lead to a lasting peace.

Speaking on June 16, the pontiff said he was encouraged by the progress toward a formal accord expected to be signed on June 19, adding “thanks be to God” that the two sides are moving to finalise the deal, Reuters reports. 

The pope, who has previously drawn criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump after speaking out against the Iran war, said he hoped the agreement would bring a definitive end to hostilities.

“There will still be several points to settle, ⁠but it is always better to do so through dialogue, through negotiations, and not by returning ⁠to war,” the “first U.S. pope” told journalists outside his residence in Castel Gandolfo, Italy.

“I hope ⁠that ⁠it truly is a solution to the war, that the war ⁠really ⁠is over, and that ⁠we can move forward,” he said.

By Sabina Mammadli