VATICAN CITY — In a powerful address delivered during his pastoral visit to a Roman suburb on Sunday, Pope Leo XIV issued a renewed and impassioned plea for peace in the Middle East, delivering a stark condemnation of those who exploit religious doctrine to justify armed conflict. The Pontiff characterized warfare as an “absurd” solution to resolving human differences and explicitly stated that “God cannot be enlisted by darkness.
The 70-year-old leader of the Catholic Church expressed profound sorrow for the immense suffering endured by countless individuals caught in the crossfire of violent hostilities. He extended his spiritual solidarity to all families who have lost loved ones, particularly highlighting the tragic consequences of attacks on civilian infrastructures, including schools, hospitals, and residential neighborhoods.
Earlier that day, during his traditional weekly Angelus prayer at St. Peter’s Square, the Pope had already set a somber tone, praying for the victims of what he described as “atrocious violence of war” and fervently advocating for the immediate resumption of diplomatic dialogue as the only viable path forward.
With specific concern, Pope Leo highlighted the rapidly deteriorating situation in Lebanon, voicing the anxieties of Middle Eastern Christian communities and all people of goodwill. He directly appealed to those in positions of power and influence over the conflict, demanding an unequivocal and immediate cessation of hostilities. “Cease fire! Let paths of dialogue be reopened!” he implored, asserting that violence is incapable of delivering the justice, stability, and peace that populations desperately seek and deserve.