Leo XIV asked to “stop the spiral of violence before it becomes unstoppable”

The pontiff’s pronouncement was particularly expected after the United States and Israel began an offensive against Iran on Saturday that included the assassination of its supreme leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, and the response of the Persian country in Israeli cities and North American bases in the region.

It was after the prayer of the Angelus and the catechesis corresponding to the second Sunday of Lent, in which he reflected on the mystery of the Transfiguration of the Lord, emphasizing that Christ, Redeemer of humanity, transforms the wounds of history and manifests the saving gift of God.

At the end of the reflection, he stated that he follows “with deep concern what is happening in the Middle East and Iran, in these dramatic hours.” And in a new appeal, he insisted that “stability and peace are not built with reciprocal threats, nor with weapons, which sow destruction and death, but only through responsible dialogue.”

Leo XIV demanded from international diplomacy an end to the violence in Iran, and also to the mutual attacks between Pakistan and Afghanistan. “I call on leaders to take the moral responsibility to stop the spiral of violence before it becomes an irreparable maelstrom,” he cried in St. Peter’s Square.

“May diplomacy find its role and the good of the people be promoted, who long for a peaceful coexistence founded on justice,” the Pope insisted. “We continue to pray for peace,” cried the pontiff, who also highlighted the “worrying news” about the clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Thus, he demanded “an immediate return to dialogue,” because “only peace can heal the wounds between peoples.”

He concluded by lamenting the “serious floods” in Minas Gerais (Brazil), for the victims and for those involved in rescue operations, and greeted all the faithful present.