VATICAN CITY: Pope Leo XIV on Wednesday welcomed the agreement reached between the United States and Iran to end the Middle East conflict, describing it as the result of “encouraging work in dialogue and negotiation.”
The United States and Iran agreed this week on a deal aimed at ending the conflict, and the pontiff expressed his “gratitude” to all those who contributed to the negotiations.
Speaking during his weekly audience at the Vatican, Pope Leo said he hoped the agreement would help strengthen trust and stability across the region. “I hope that this agreement will contribute to strengthening mutual trust, security, and stability in the Middle East by promoting paths of dialogue and cooperation between peoples,” he said.
The 70-year-old pope also turned his attention to the ongoing war in Ukraine, describing recent developments as “painful” and offering prayers for renewed diplomatic efforts. He called for “paths of dialogue” that could lead to a just and lasting peace.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has become Europe’s deadliest conflict since World War II and has continued for longer than World War I.
Reflecting on the human cost of the war, Pope Leo spoke of “so many innocent victims, rescuers killed, churches and cultural heritage sites devastated by flames.”
“I am close to those mourning their loved ones, to the injured, and to those who, amidst the violence, continue to serve life with courage,” he added.