On Sunday, it was warned that the U.S.-Israel airstrikes on Iran pose a risk of pushing the Middle East into an “irreparable abyss,” and leaders were urged to stop the dangerous cycle of violence.
During the Angelus, the pontiff stated that he was “deeply concerned” about recent events and called on countries to opt for dialogue instead of war.
“Stability and peace cannot be established through mutual threats or with weapons that bring destruction, pain, and death. They can only be achieved through a rational, genuine, and responsible dialogue,” the pope said, as reported by .
“In the face of the possibility of a huge tragedy,” he further said, “I earnestly appeal to the parties involved to take on the moral responsibility to stop the cycle of violence before it turns into an irreparable abyss!”
The pope issued this warning after Israel and the U.S. carried out a joint military operation against Iran on Saturday, named “”. The attacks are reported to have killed several high – ranking leaders, including Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who had led the Islamic Republic for over three decades.
Meanwhile, on Sunday, killed at least eight Israelis when Tehran’s latest missile barrage landed miles from Jerusalem.
The pope strengthened his warning in a two – part message posted on X on Sunday morning.
“I am closely and deeply concerned about what is happening in the Middle East and in Iran during this turbulent period,” he said.
“Stability and peace cannot be obtained through mutual threats or the use of weapons that cause destruction, suffering, and death. They can only be achieved through a rational, sincere, and responsible dialogue.”
In a follow – up post, he cautioned about “the possibility of a tragedy of massive proportions” and urged all the involved parties to “take on the moral responsibility of stopping the cycle of violence before it becomes an unbridgeable gap.”
“May diplomacy regain its rightful place, and may the well – being of the people, who long for a peaceful existence based on justice, be safeguarded. And let’s keep praying for peace,” he added.