Pope Leo Calls for End to Iran-US War, Prioritises Dialogue
Ankara (ANTARA) - Pope Leo XIV has called for an end to the war in Iran and urged world leaders to prioritise dialogue over military action.
Speaking during a joint prayer at St Peter’s Basilica on Saturday (11/4), the Pope stated, “Enough with the worship of self and money! Enough with flaunting power! Enough with war!”
“True strength is shown by serving life,” he added.
The Pope did not mention specific leaders directly, but criticised actions that he described as something “boasted by some adults,” referring to the humanitarian impact of the conflict.
“I receive many letters from children in conflict zones … Let us listen to the voices of children!” he said.
The statement follows comments by Pope Leo XIV some time ago, in which he warned that “the entire civilisation will die” if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, describing it as “completely unacceptable.”
Pope Leo also called on leaders to engage in negotiations to end the conflict.
“We call on them, stop! This is the time for peace! Sit at the table of dialogue and mediation,” he said, while reminding leaders to avoid decisions “that plan rearmament and deadly actions.”
The United States (US) and Israel launched joint attacks against Iran on 28 February, which in recent weeks have killed more than 3,000 people, including the then Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, until a ceasefire was reached mediated by Pakistan this week.
Tehran retaliated against the US-Israel offensive by launching drones and missiles targeting Israel, as well as Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting US military assets, as a form of self-defence, and restricted ship movements in the Strait of Hormuz.
The US and Iran also held talks in Islamabad, Pakistan, on Saturday (11/4) to end the war permanently, but no agreement has been reached yet.
Source: Anadolu