Pope Leo XIV renews ceasefire call, dialogue in Middle East

Pope Leo XIV renews ceasefire call, dialogue in Middle East

The head of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV, on Sunday renewed his appeal for peace in the Middle East, urging warring parties to end hostilities and return to dialogue.

Speaking during his weekly Angelus prayer at the St. Peter’s Square, the pontiff lamented the growing human toll of the conflict, saying innocent civilians had borne the brunt of the violence.

“Dear brothers and sisters, for two weeks the peoples of the Middle East have suffered the atrocious violence of war,” he said.

According to him, thousands of innocent people have been killed while many others have been displaced from their homes.

“I renew my closeness to all those who have lost loved ones in the attacks that have hit schools, hospitals and residential areas,” the Pope added.

The pontiff also expressed deep concern about the situation in Lebanon, which he described as particularly troubling amid the escalating tensions in the region.

Addressing those involved in the conflict, he urged them to halt the fighting and reopen channels for dialogue.

“On behalf of the Christians of the Middle East and of all women and men of goodwill, I address those responsible for this conflict,” he said.

“Cease fire! Let paths of dialogue be reopened! Violence can never lead to the justice, stability and peace that people await.”