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Pope Leo Urges Diplomacy As US Strikes on Iran Heighten Middle East Tensions

He warned that civilian suffering in Gaza demands urgent relief following Iran’s refusal to engage with the US at Geneva peace talks

Pope Leo XIV holds a Jubilee audience on the occasion of the Jubilee of Sport, at St. Peter's Basilica, at the Vatican June 14, 2025. REUTERS/Yara Nardi/File Photo
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VATICAN CITY, VATICAN - JUNE 22: (EDITOR NOTE: STRICTLY EDITORIAL USE ONLY - NO MERCHANDISING). Pope Leo XIV delivers his Angelus blessing on the Solemnity of Corpus Christi from the window of his studio overlooking St. Peter's Square on June 22, 2025 in Vatican City, Vatican. The Pope said the cry for peace “demands responsibility and reason and must not be drowned out by the roar of weapons or by rhetorical words that incite conflict.” Pope Leo urged every member of the international community to take up their moral responsibility to “stop the tragedy of war before it becomes an irreparable abyss.” The Holy Father’s words came just hours after US bombers struck nuclear sites in Iran, as Israel and Iran carry out strikes on each other’s territory. (Photo by Mario Tomassetti - Vatican Media via Vatican Pool/Getty Images)
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Overview

  • President Donald Trump ordered targeted strikes on at least three Iranian nuclear facilities after nearly two weeks of Israeli attacks on Iran’s nuclear and military sites
  • Pope Leo XIV told thousands in St. Peter’s Square that war “amplifies” suffering and called on global leaders to pursue diplomatic solutions and stepped-up humanitarian aid
  • Geneva talks between Iran and EU representatives from Britain, France and Germany stalled when Tehran declined direct negotiations with the US administration
  • Iran’s health ministry reported over 430 fatalities from Israeli missile strikes while Israel confirmed 24 deaths from Iranian retaliatory fire
  • European governments and the Vatican are pressing for renewed negotiations and urgent aid corridors to alleviate civilian hardship in Gaza and other impacted areas