The Pope warns that the US-Israeli air strikes on Iran may threaten an abyss of violence in the Middle East

Speaking at the Angelus, the Pope expressed his “deep concern” over recent developments and called on countries to choose dialogue rather than war.

“Stability and peace are not built by mutual threats, nor by weapons that sow destruction, pain and death, but only through reasonable, real and responsible dialogue,” the Pope said. Vatican News.

Pope Leo (Reuters/Guglielmo Mangiapane)

He added, “In the face of the possibility of a tragedy of enormous proportions, I make a sincere appeal to the parties concerned to bear the moral responsibility to stop the cycle of violence before it turns into an irreparable abyss.”

The Pope’s warning came after Israel and the United States launched a joint military operation against Iran on Saturday, dubbed “Operation Epic RageThe attacks reportedly killed several senior leaders, including Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has ruled the Islamic Republic for more than three decades.

Meanwhile, Iranian air strikes At least eight Israelis were killed on Sunday when a new missile barrage from Tehran fell miles from Jerusalem.

The Pope reiterated his warning in a two-part message published Sunday morning on Channel X.

Putin: Khamenei’s killing is a “cynical violation” of morals

TEHRAN, IRAN – FEBRUARY 28: Smoke rises over the city center after the Israeli military launched a second wave of airstrikes on Iran on February 28, 2026. (Photo by Fatemeh Bahrami/Anadolu via Getty Images) (Fatima Bahrami/Anadolu via Getty Images)

“I am following with deep concern what is happening in the Middle East and Iran during this turbulent time,” he said. books.

“Stability and peace are not achieved by mutual threats, nor by the use of weapons that sow destruction, suffering and death, but only through reasonable, honest and responsible dialogue.”

Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed in the raids. (Iranian leader’s press office/Anadolu via Getty Images)

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In a subsequent post, he warned of the “possibility of a tragedy of gigantic proportions” and urged all parties involved to “take moral responsibility to stop the cycle of violence before it turns into an unbridgeable chasm.”

He added, “I hope that diplomacy will regain its proper role, and that the well-being of peoples who yearn for a peaceful life based on justice will be supported. And let us continue to pray for peace.”

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