During the traditional weekly audience in St. Peter’s Square, the Pope Leo XIII expressed deep concern about the escalation of conflicts on the international scene. In front of the pilgrims, he made a firm appeal for the parties involved to stop what he classified as a “spiral of violence” before the situation becomes irreversible.
The pontiff stated that peace and stability cannot be built with mutual threats or the use of weapons, which generate destruction and suffering. According to him, only an authentic, responsible and reason-based dialogue can pave the way for reconciliation. He also called for diplomacy to once again play a central role in the search for solutions, highlighting that people want peaceful coexistence based on justice.
The statements gain weight amid the worsening crisis in the Middle East. Just days after the anniversary of the large-scale invasion of Ukraine, attention turns to Iran, where a coordinated attack between the United States and Israel hit several cities and resulted in the death of supreme leader Ali Khamenei. In response, Iran launched offensives against civilian targets and American bases in Gulf countries and Israel.
The Pope also mentioned concern about the consequences of other clashes, citing tensions between Pakistan e Afghanistanwhere the Taliban maintain influence and experience in guerrilla warfare. He called for an urgent return to negotiations.
Closing his message, the leader of the Catholic Church invited the faithful to pray for peace in all regions affected by conflicts. For him, only peace, seen as a divine gift, is capable of healing the open wounds between peoples.
