Pope Leo XIV urges immediate end to Middle East violence after U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran.

Pope Leo XIV, in a March 8, 2026, Angelus address, called for an immediate end to violence in the Middle East, expressing deep concern over escalating conflict following nine days of U.S.-Israeli airstrikes on Iran. He urged a halt to bombing, warned of rising fear and regional destabilization, and emphasized the need for dialogue and humanitarian compassion. The Pope's appeal highlighted the humanitarian toll, potential spread to Lebanon, and the moral imperative to pursue peace, drawing global attention to the crisis.