Headlines
Pope Leo Laments That Iran War 'getting Worse and Worse'
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on March 24, 2026
2 min readLast updated: March 24, 2026
Add as preferred source on GoogleQuick Summary
Pope Leo, the first U.S.-born pontiff, has warned that animosity in the Iran war is intensifying and renewed his call for a ceasefire and dialogue, noting the escalating humanitarian toll and a significant U.S. military buildup in the region.
Pope Leo Voices Concern Over Escalating Iran War, Renews Ceasefire Appeal
Pope Leo's Response to the Iran War Crisis
By Joshua McElwee
Concerns Over Rising Animosity
VATICAN CITY, March 24 (Reuters) - Pope Leo expressed concern on Tuesday about a rising tenor of animosity in the expanding Iran war, repeating calls for a ceasefire amid reports the U.S. is planning to send thousands of soldiers to the Middle East in a military buildup.
Pope Leo's Lament on Increasing Hatred
Leo, the first U.S. pope, lamented that "hatred is increasing, and the violence is getting worse and worse."
Renewed Appeal for Ceasefire and Dialogue
"I want to renew the appeal for a ceasefire, to work for peace, but not with weapons - rather through dialogue, truly seeking a solution for everyone," he told journalists as he was leaving his residence in Castel Gandolfo, Italy.
Impact on Civilians and Call to Authorities
"There are more than a million displaced people and many dead," said the pope. "I invite all the authorities to truly work through dialogue to resolve the problems."
Pope Leo's Recent Efforts for Peace
Leo, who is known for choosing his words carefully, has been ramping up calls for an end to the Iran war in recent days. On Sunday, he said the conflict was a "scandal to the whole human family."
(Reporting by Joshua McElwee; Editing by Chris Reese)
Key Takeaways
- •Pope Leo decries escalating hatred and violence in the Iran war and urges ceasefire through dialogue, not arms
- •Humanitarian situation worsening with over a million displaced and mounting casualties as conflict spreads
- •The U.S. is conducting its largest military buildup since 2003 – deploying air, naval, and ground forces to the Middle East amid rising tensions
Frequently Asked Questions about Pope Leo laments that Iran war 'getting worse and worse'
1What did Pope Leo say about the Iran war?
Pope Leo expressed concern about rising animosity and worsening violence in the Iran war, calling for a ceasefire and dialogue.
2Why is Pope Leo concerned about the Iran conflict?
He cited increasing hatred, rising violence, over a million displaced people, and many deaths as reasons for concern.
3What actions did Pope Leo urge to resolve the Iran war?
He urged authorities to pursue peace through dialogue, not weapons, and to work towards a solution for everyone.
4Is there a military buildup related to the Iran war?
Yes, the article reports the U.S. is planning to send thousands of soldiers to the Middle East as the situation worsens.
5How has Pope Leo described the Iran conflict previously?
He called the conflict a 'scandal to the whole human family' and has been increasingly vocal about ending it.
