The Pope expressed dismay over the war in the Middle East and said it is "a scandal for humanity"
Pope Leo XIV expressed his deep concern about the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, calling them a scandal for humanity and stressing the need for dialogue and respect for human dignity.
In a heartfelt statement from the Apostolic Palace in Vatican City, Pope Leo XIV addressed a gathering of supporters after the midday Angelus prayer. He articulated his grave concern for the suffering inflicted upon countless individuals as a result of the ongoing wars and violence in the Middle East, labeling these conflicts as a scandal that affects humanity as a whole. The Pope emphasized the moral obligation to speak out against the pain and death caused by warfare, portraying it as a collective affront to God and the dignity of human life.
The Pope’s remarks come amidst the intensifying crisis stemming from the U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran, which he refrained from directly mentioning. He made an urgent appeal for sincere dialogue to pave the way for peace, underlining that the current hostilities must be brought to an end. His call for a cessation of violence and the establishment of respectful communication channels reflects a broader desire for reconciliation and healing in a region long plagued by conflict.
This statement not only highlights the Pope’s role as a moral leader in global affairs but also underscores the Vatican's continued engagement with international peace efforts. By invoking the shared humanity in facing the consequences of war, Pope Leo XIV aims to inspire both religious and secular communities to advocate for peace and to confront the injustices faced by victims of violence in the Middle East.