Published：Mar 9, 22:42Last updated：Mar 16, 01:16

Pope Leo XIV Demands Ceasefire Amid US-Israel-Iran Conflict

Mar. 9, 2026 22:42

Pope Leo XIV has called for an end to the US-Israeli conflict in Iran and expressed sorrow for those killed. Two US cardinals have also rejected the war, advocating for dialogue and diplomacy.

Summarized

10News

7Media

Mar. 15, 2026 22:49

Pope Leo XIV, a US-born pontiff, spoke against the US-Israeli military campaign on Iran during a Sunday prayer at Vatican, condemning violence and calling for an immediate ceasefire. He expressed concern over two weeks of violence in the Middle East, including tragic incidents like the bombing of a girls' school in Iran. The Pope urged all sides to stop hostilities and reopen dialogue, also addressing tensions in Lebanon and condemning war as a solution. He emphasized that violence cannot bring justice, stability, or peace.

Mar. 16, 2026 01:16

Pope Leo XIV called for a ceasefire in the Middle East conflict on Sunday, directly appealing to the leaders responsible for the war in Iran. He urged for dialogue and emphasized that violence cannot bring justice, stability, or peace. The Pope's strongest comments to date highlight the urgency of ending the hostilities, though he did not specify the US or other nations involved.

As violence escalates in the Middle East, particularly in Iran, Pope Leo XIV has emerged as a prominent voice demanding an immediate ceasefire and renewed dialogue. Over the past week, the US-born pontiff has issued increasingly forceful appeals from the Vatican, condemning the ongoing US-Israeli military campaign in Iran, expressing sorrow for civilian casualties, and urging leaders to reject violence as a path to justice or stability. His statements have been echoed and, at times, sharpened by senior Vatican officials and US cardinals, who have also rejected the rationale for war and called for diplomatic solutions. The Independent+2

🕊️ Papal Calls for Peace Intensify

Pope Leo XIV began with muted appeals for dialogue and diplomacy but, following a deadly missile strike on an Iranian school that killed over 165 people, including many children, he delivered his strongest condemnation yet. On March 15, 2026, the Pope directly addressed those responsible for the conflict, insisting that violence cannot bring about justice, stability, or peace. He stopped short of explicitly naming the United States or Israel, but his references were clear in context. The Washington Post+2

🏛️ Vatican and Cardinals’ United Front

Senior Vatican officials and two prominent US cardinals have publicly criticized the war, with the cardinals outright rejecting its rationale and advocating for peace. This marks a rare moment of unity within the Church’s leadership, as both the Pope and his senior advisors denounce the conflict and urge for immediate diplomatic engagement. The Vatican’s stance has been described as both urgent and morally unequivocal. The Independent+2

🚨 Humanitarian Crisis and Global Concern

The missile strike on the Iranian school, which resulted in significant loss of life, has heightened international alarm. The Pope’s appeals have drawn attention to the growing humanitarian crisis, emphasizing the plight of civilians, especially children, caught in the crossfire. He has condemned the misuse of religion to justify violence, declaring, “God cannot be enlisted by darkness,” and has called for all parties to reopen dialogue and work toward a sustainable peace. The Independent+3

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