VATICAN CITY – During his Sunday address, Pope Leo delivered harsh criticism of the ongoing Middle East conflict, describing the casualties and devastation as shameful to all of humanity while issuing a fresh appeal for immediate peace.
With the U.S.-Israeli military action against Iran now in its fourth week, the pontiff – who holds the distinction of being America’s first pope – expressed that he remains deeply troubled by developments in the Middle East and other conflict zones worldwide.
Speaking to gathered faithful during his traditional weekly Angelus prayer at St. Peter’s Square, Leo declared: “We cannot remain silent in the face of the suffering of so many people, the defenceless victims of these conflicts. What hurts them hurts the whole of humanity.”
The pope concluded his remarks with an urgent call for continued prayer, stating: “I strongly renew my appeal for us to persevere in prayer, so that hostilities may cease and the way may finally be paved for peace.”
