Pope Urges "Stop the War and Start Dialogue" ... Sends Peace Message Amid Middle East Tensions

Warning of Escalation at Angelus Prayer: "Diplomacy Is the Only Solution"
Urging Peaceful Resolution Through Dialogue Amid Fears of Widening Middle East War

Pope Leo XIV has warned that armed conflict in the Middle East could escalate further, urging for immediate dialogue and a peaceful resolution.

Pope Leo XIV, who visited the Sacro Cuore Cathedral in Rome, Italy, is departing while being seen off by Cardinal Baldo Reina, the Vicar General of the Diocese of Rome (left). Photo by AP Yonhap News

On March 8 (local time), during the Angelus prayer in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, the Pope expressed concerns about the expansion of the Middle East war, stating, "The power of bombs must stop and weapons must fall silent." He continued, "We must choose dialogue over violence, and I pray for the opening of a negotiation table where everyone's voice can be heard."

The Pope's remarks came amid rising tensions between the United States, Israel, and Iran, raising concerns that clashes could spread across the Middle East. He warned that if the conflict further expands, Lebanon and neighboring regions could once again be plunged into instability.

In fact, recent clashes between Israel and the Iran-backed armed group Hezbollah have intensified, heightening military tensions in southern Lebanon. Some international human rights organizations have also raised suspicions that Israel used weapons prohibited under international law in southern Lebanon.

The Pope went on to stress that "the only solution to war is diplomacy," emphasizing the need for resolution through dialogue and negotiation rather than military responses. The Vatican has also recently criticized the global arms race and armed conflicts around the world, calling for a de-escalation of tensions.

Meanwhile, tensions in the Middle East have further increased following reports that a Catholic priest was killed in a recent Israeli attack in southern Lebanon. The Vatican has expressed deep concern over the incident and warned of the growing risk of civilian casualties.

The Pope reiterated, "We need dialogue, not war," and emphasized again that "all parties must stop the violence and find a path toward peace."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.