Vatican City, July 26 (ANI): Pope Leo XIV on Sunday renewed his call for peace in West Asia, urging all parties involved in the escalating conflict to halt military operations and return to dialogue and diplomacy.
In a post on X, the pontiff said the intensification of military operations had “again wreaked violence and destruction, endangering the lives of countless civilians and further aggravating the shortages of drinking water and electricity.”
Amid the ongoing US-Iran conflict, Pope Leo XIV highlighted the humanitarian consequences of continued hostilities, warning that military actions were causing civilian suffering and worsening access to essential resources.
“From the depths of my heart, I exhort all parties involved to suspend the attacks and urgently reopen paths of dialogue and diplomacy, so that the longed-for peace for the entire region may be achieved without delay,” he said.
The Pope also expressed deep concern over the continuing violence in the Holy Land, referring to recent civilian casualties in the West Bank and Gaza.
“I continue to follow with deep concern the ongoing and escalating violence in the Holy Land, where, in recent days, many civilians, both in the West Bank and in Gaza, have once again fallen victim,” he said.
Calling for a diplomatic solution, Pope Leo XIV reiterated the Vatican’s position that lasting peace can only be achieved through negotiations leading to a political settlement based on equality, dignity and rights for all people.
“I make a heartfelt appeal for a return to negotiations to achieve a just political solution, founded on the equal dignity and equal rights of every human person,” he added.
The pontiff also called for an end to further military actions and unilateral decisions, particularly those that could violate the status quo of holy sites belonging to different religious communities and further increase tensions.
In a broader message, Pope Leo XIV urged prayers for people suffering due to conflicts around the world and appealed to global leaders to pursue reconciliation and peace.
“May the Lord touch the hearts and enlighten the minds of those in power, so that reconciliation and peace may soon prevail,” he said. (ANI)
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