Pope Leo urges Iran and Israel to embrace peace and reason amid escalating violence

VATICAN CITY — June 14, 2025 — Pope Leo made a heartfelt appeal on Saturday for Israel and Iran to de-escalate tensions and embrace dialogue, following a deadly exchange of airstrikes between the two countries that has left dozens dead and sent civilians scrambling for safety.

In one of the most forceful peace messages of his five-week papacy, the 68-year-old pontiff addressed pilgrims and clergy gathered in St. Peter’s Basilica, expressing “great concern” over the rapidly deteriorating situation in the Middle East.

“In such a delicate moment, I strongly wish to renew an appeal to responsibility and to reason,” Pope Leo said, reading carefully from a prepared text in Italian. “No one should ever threaten the existence of another.”

The pope called on leaders to avoid further escalation and commit to “respectful encounters and sincere dialogue,” emphasizing that peace must be built on “justice, fraternity, and the common good.”

“The commitment to building a safer world free from the nuclear threat must be pursued,” he added.

The pontiff’s remarks come after Israel launched a large-scale preemptive strike on Iranian soil early Friday, targeting senior commanders, military facilities, and suspected nuclear infrastructure. Israeli officials said the attack was aimed at halting Iran’s alleged efforts to develop nuclear weapons.

In response, Iran fired multiple waves of missiles toward Israeli territory, killing at least two people and wounding dozens more, according to Israeli emergency services. Iran maintains that its nuclear activities are purely for civilian purposes and denies developing a weapons program.

Pope Leo, the first American ever elected to the papacy, has so far taken a measured approach to global affairs, often opting for carefully worded statements rather than impromptu remarks. Saturday’s appeal marked a notable shift in tone, reflecting the gravity with which the Vatican views the unfolding crisis.

“As believers and as people of goodwill, we must pray and work for peace,” Leo said. “It is the duty of all countries to support the cause of peace, initiating paths of reconciliation and promoting solutions that guarantee security and dignity for all.”

The Vatican has historically played a behind-the-scenes diplomatic role in global conflicts and is expected to continue quiet engagement with both regional and international actors amid fears of broader destabilization.