Pope Leo calls for end to violence, urges dialogue

Monday, 9 March 2026 06:16 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Head of the Roman Catholic Church Pope Leo XIV has urged an end to the violence and called for renewed efforts to open space for dialogue.

Speaking at ‌the Angelus prayer in Saint Peter’s Square, Pope Leo said deeply troubling news continued to arrive from Iran and across the Middle East.

He said the conflict was fuelling fear and hatred and raised concerns that it could spread further, dragging other countries, including “dear Lebanon.”

“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,” ‌the pontiff said.