Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on March 8, 2026
2 min readLast updated: April 1, 2026
Add as preferred source on GooglePope Leo XIV expressed deep concern over escalating U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran and broader Middle East violence during the Angelus, urging cessation of bombing, the silencing of weapons, and the reopening of dialogue to prevent the conflict from spreading, notably threatening Lebanon.
VATICAN CITY, March 8 (Reuters) - Pope Leo said on Sunday that deeply troubling news continued to arrive from Iran and across the Middle East, urging an end to the violence and renewed efforts to open space for dialogue.
As fighting escalated on the ninth day of the U.S.-Israeli assault on Iran, the first U.S. pope warned that the conflict was fuelling fear and hatred and raised concerns that it could spread further.
"Alongside the episodes of violence and devastation and the widespread climate of hatred and fear, there is also growing concern that the conflict could spread and that other countries in the region, including dear Lebanon, could once again sink into instability," Leo said at the Angelus prayer in St. Peter’s Square.
"Let us raise our humble prayer to the Lord that the roar of bombs may cease, that weapons may fall silent, and that space may be opened for dialogue in which the voices of peoples can be heard", he added.
The Vatican's top diplomat warned on Wednesday that the U.S.-Israeli strikes undermined international law and said nations did not have a right to launch "preventive wars", an unusually direct criticism of the military campaign.
(Reporting by Giselda Vagnoni, Editing by Louise Heavens)
Pope Leo urged an immediate end to violence and called for renewed dialogue to address ongoing conflicts in Iran and the region.
Pope Leo made his appeal during the Angelus prayer at St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City.
Pope Leo expressed concern about Iran, the broader Middle East, and specifically mentioned Lebanon.
He said the conflict is fueling fear and hatred and risks spreading to involve additional countries.
Giselda Vagnoni reported on Pope Leo's statements, with editing by Louise Heavens.
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