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Pope Leo says 'thanks be to God' for interim US-Iran peace deal - Headlines news and analysis from Global Banking & Finance Review
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Pope Leo says 'thanks be to God' for interim US-Iran peace deal

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on June 16, 2026

1 min read

· Last updated: June 16, 2026

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Pope Leo Expresses Hope for Lasting Peace with US-Iran Interim Accord

Pope Leo Comments on US-Iran Peace Efforts

Interim Deal Praised by Pope Leo

CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy, June 16 (Reuters) - Pope Leo on Tuesday praised the interim deal between the United States and Iran to end the regional war in the Middle East, saying "thanks be to God" that the two powers are set to formalize their accord on Friday.

Pope's Previous Criticism and Hopes for the Future

Leo, who drew the ire of U.S. President Donald Trump after criticising the Iran war, said he hoped the deal will end the conflict for good.

Dialogue and Negotiation over Conflict

"There will still be several points to settle, but it is always better to do so through dialogue, through negotiations, and not by returning to war," the first U.S. pope told journalists outside his residence in Castel Gandolfo, Italy.

"I hope that it truly is a solution to the war, that the war really is over, and that we can move forward," he said.

(Reporting by Joshua McElwee, editing by Gavin Jones)

Key Takeaways

  • Pope Leo praised the U.S.–Iran interim peace framework signed Wednesday, expressing gratitude and hope it brings an end to the war through negotiation rather than renewed fighting.
  • The deal, scheduled for a formal signing ceremony on Friday in Switzerland, would extend a ceasefire by 60 days, reopen the Strait of Hormuz, end U.S. port blockades, and initiate negotiated talks on Iran’s nuclear program and sanctions relief. (Reuters)
  • The accord has already impacted markets—oil prices fell and the U.S. dollar dipped—though concerns remain over implementation, unknown details, and regional responses, including rejection by Israel and demands tied to Lebanon. (Reuters, AP)

Frequently Asked Questions

What did Pope Leo say about the US-Iran interim peace deal?
Pope Leo praised the interim deal and expressed hope that it would bring a lasting end to the Middle East conflict.
When is the US-Iran deal expected to be formalized?
The US-Iran interim peace accord is set to be formalized on Friday.
Why did Pope Leo draw criticism from President Trump?
Pope Leo drew ire from President Trump after criticizing the Iran war.
Where did Pope Leo make his comments on the US-Iran deal?
Pope Leo made his remarks outside his residence in Castel Gandolfo, Italy.
What method does Pope Leo advocate for resolving conflicts?
Pope Leo emphasized resolving disputes through dialogue and negotiations rather than war.

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