In a powerful message during Sunday’s prayer, Pope Leo XIV issued an urgent call for an immediate halt to the war and the restoration of global peace, amidst heightened tensions following the American strikes in Iran.
“Today more than ever, humanity cries out for peace. It is a cry that demands responsibility and reason, and not to be drowned out by the roar of weapons and violent rhetoric,” the Pope declared.
He warned that the world is on the brink of an inevitable catastrophe if the spiral of violence is not stopped. “War does not solve problems; on the contrary, it amplifies them and leaves wounds that take generations to heal,” the Holy Father added.
Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov strongly condemned the US attacks on Iran, calling them a dangerous step towards global escalation. France, through its Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, distanced itself from the intervention, announcing it was not part of the attacks or their planning.
Iran reacted sharply, calling the attack a deliberate escalation. Iranian Minister Abbas Araqchi warned of an immediate response, accusing US President Donald Trump of betraying electoral promises for peace.
A high-level meeting between Araqchi and Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled for Monday to discuss the latest developments and possible ways to avert a deeper international crisis.
