Pope Leo XIV Urges End To Bombing As Middle East War Enters Day 9

Pope Leo XIV on Sunday appealed for an end to the “roar of bombs” in the Middle East, as the conflict sparked by the United States–Israeli air strikes on Iran entered its ninth day.

Speaking after the Angelus prayer, the US-born pontiff said developments from the region “continues to arouse deep dismay.”

According to him, the situation has been worsened by escalating violence, destruction, and a growing climate of hatred and fear, alongside apprehension that the conflict could spread to other countries in the region.

The pope warned that such escalation could drag additional states into instability, specifically mentioning Lebanon, which he described as a beloved nation that risks once again being engulfed by turmoil.

Meanwhile, Iran was on Sunday preparing to announce its new supreme leader after the US-Israeli air strikes destroyed fuel depots and ignited fires across parts of Tehran, leaving the city covered in thick smoke.

In retaliation, Iranian missile and drone strikes have reportedly targeted several Gulf countries and other locations across the Middle East.

For his part, Donald Trump has not ruled out the possibility of deploying American ground troops to Iran, although he maintains that the military campaign is progressing rapidly.

Pope Leo urged all sides to halt hostilities and pursue peaceful engagement.

He said he was praying “that the roar of the bombs may cease, the weapons may fall silent, and a space for dialogue may open in which the voices of the peoples may be heard.”