Pope Leo XIV has called for an immediate end to the escalating violence in the Middle East, praying that the “roar of bombs” across the region will cease as the conflict sparked by U.S.–Israeli air strikes on Iran entered its ninth day.
Speaking at the conclusion of the Angelus prayer on Sunday, the US-born pontiff expressed deep concern over the growing humanitarian and security crisis unfolding in the region.
“News from the Middle East continues to arouse deep dismay,” Pope Leo said, lamenting the increasing violence, destruction, and rising atmosphere of fear and hatred.
He warned that the conflict could widen further, raising fears that more countries may be drawn into the crisis.
“Added to the episodes of violence and devastation, and the widespread climate of hatred and fear, is the growing concern that the conflict could spread, and that other nations in the region—including beloved Lebanon—may once again descend into instability,” he said.
The Pope’s appeal comes as tensions continue to escalate across the Middle East. On Sunday, Iran was preparing to announce a new supreme leader following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in U.S.–Israeli air strikes earlier in the conflict.
The strikes also targeted key fuel depots in and around Tehran, igniting massive fires that blanketed large parts of the Iranian capital in thick, acrid smoke.
In response, Iran has launched waves of missile and drone attacks targeting several countries across the Gulf and other parts of the Middle East, heightening fears of a broader regional war.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump has declined to rule out the possibility of deploying American ground troops to Iran, although he has maintained that the military campaign is progressing rapidly.
Amid the escalating tensions, Pope Leo renewed his call for peace and diplomacy.
“I pray that the roar of the bombs may cease, that the weapons may fall silent, and that space may be opened for dialogue—where the voices of the peoples may finally be heard,” he said.
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