Pope Leo XIV Prays for an End to the US-Israel Bombardment and for Iran to Cease

The leader of the worldwide Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV, expressed deep concern over the escalating conflict in the Middle East, which has entered its ninth day. In a message after the Angelus prayer on Sunday (8 March 2026), the Pope urged that military actions be halted promptly to open space for dialogue.

The Pope, an American-born pontiff, highlighted the climate of hatred and fear now enveloping the region. He specifically expressed concern that the war triggered by the US-Israel air strikes against Iran could draw neighbouring countries into a whirlpool of instability.

Coupled with episodes of violence and destruction and the spreading climate of hatred and fear, there is concern that the conflict may spread, and that other countries in the region, including the beloved Lebanon, may once again be drawn into instability,’ said Pope Leo XIV.

The situation in the Iranian capital Tehran was reported as still tense. Thick plumes of smoke shrouded much of the city after the air strikes by the US-Israel alliance destroyed a strategic fuel depot. In the midst of this emergency, Iran is reported to be preparing to reveal the identity of its new Supreme Leader.

On the other hand, US President Donald Trump took a firm stance on the situation. While claiming the war would be swift, Trump refused to rule out the possibility of deploying American ground troops into Iran.

Concluding his message, Pope Leo XIV stressed the importance of placing humanity at the forefront and stopping the use of weapons as a solution to conflict.

He asserted that he would continue praying, ‘That the roar of bombs may stop, weapons be silenced, and room for open dialogue so the voices of the people may be heard.’

To date, the international community continues to monitor military movements in the Middle East while pursuing diplomatic channels to prevent a broader full-scale war.