Pope Leo XIV has welcomed the recently announced agreement between the United States and Iran aimed at ending hostilities in the Middle East, describing it as the outcome of constructive dialogue and negotiation.
Speaking during his weekly general audience at the Vatican on Wednesday, the pontiff expressed appreciation to those involved in facilitating the talks and voiced hope that the agreement would contribute to lasting peace and stability in the region.
The peace deal, announced earlier this week, seeks to bring an end to months of tensions and conflict involving the two countries and has been widely viewed as a significant diplomatic breakthrough.
Expressing his support for the development, Pope Leo said the agreement demonstrated the value of diplomacy in resolving complex international
“I hope that this agreement will contribute to strengthening mutual trust, security, and stability in the Middle East by promoting paths of dialogue and cooperation between peoples,” he said.
The 70-year-old pontiff also extended gratitude to negotiators and stakeholders whose efforts helped secure the accord, describing their work as encouraging and essential to the pursuit of peace.
Beyond the Middle East, Pope Leo used the occasion to draw attention to the ongoing war in Ukraine, which he described as deeply painful and devastating.
He renewed his appeal for dialogue and peaceful engagement, urging all parties involved in the conflict to pursue a just and lasting resolution.
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The pope lamented the humanitarian toll of the war, highlighting the loss of innocent lives, the destruction of communities and the damage inflicted on places of worship and cultural heritage sites.
“So many innocent victims, rescuers killed, churches and cultural heritage sites devastated by flames,” he said.
He expressed solidarity with families who have lost loved ones, those injured in the conflict and humanitarian workers who continue to provide assistance despite the dangers.
“I am close to those mourning their loved ones, to the injured, and to those who, amidst the violence, continue to serve life with courage,” he added.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which began in 2022, remains the deadliest conflict in Europe since the Second World War and has continued to generate widespread international concern over its humanitarian and geopolitical consequences.
Pope Leo has consistently advocated peaceful dialogue and diplomatic engagement as pathways to resolving global conflicts, urging world leaders to prioritise negotiations over violence.
His latest remarks underscore the Vatican’s continued support for diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions, ending armed conflicts and promoting international peace and cooperation.