The head of the Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV has warned that the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran could spill over into other parts of the Middle East, urging an immediate halt to hostilities.
Speaking during the traditional Angelus prayer at St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican City on Sunday, the pontiff said reports emerging from Iran and neighbouring countries were deeply troubling as the hostilities entered their ninth day.
The Pope warned that the escalating violence is fuelling fear and hatred across the region and could draw more countries into the conflict, particularly Lebanon, which has faced repeated instability in the past.
“Alongside the episodes of violence and devastation and the widespread climate of hatred and fear, there is also growing concern that the conflict could spread and that other countries in the region, including dear Lebanon, could once again sink into instability,” Leo said.
He called on the international community to prioritise diplomacy and dialogue to prevent further escalation.
“Let us raise our humble prayer to the Lord that the roar of bombs may cease, that weapons may fall silent, and that space may be opened for dialogue in which the voices of peoples can be heard,” he added.
The warning comes amid growing global concern over the intensifying military campaign involving Isreal, the United States and Iran, which has heightened fears of a broader regional conflict.
The tension between Israel and Iran date back decades, particularly after the 1979 Iranian revolution which transformed relations between the two countries from cooperation to deep hostility.
Islamic Republic’s leaders have frequently condemned Israel’s existence and supported armed groups opposed to it, including Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza.
Israel, on its part, regards Iran’s nuclear ambitions and growing regional influence as existential dangers and has employed military, covert, and cyber operations to counter them.
The latest escalation followed coordinated strikes by Isreali and U.S. forces on Iranian military and government targets, including the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, a move that plunged the region into a broader conflict.
Iran fired missiles and drones at Israeli targets and American bases in response, with the conflict spilling into neighbouring countries and pulling in allied groups.
