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Pope Leo XIV welcomed the agreement announced by the U.S. and Iran to end the Middle East war on Wednesday, expressing hope that it would strengthen regional security and encourage further dialogue, while also calling for efforts toward a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.
Speaking during his weekly general audience at the Vatican, Leo described the U.S.-Iran agreement as the result of “encouraging work in dialogue and negotiation.”
The pope expressed gratitude to those who contributed to the negotiations between Washington and Tehran.
“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,” Leo said.
The U.S. and Iran announced this week that they had reached an agreement intended to end the regional conflict.
Leo praised the diplomatic efforts behind the deal and said dialogue and negotiation could provide a path toward greater cooperation among countries and communities in the Middle East.
The 70-year-old pope said he hoped the agreement would help build mutual trust and support, lasting security and stability throughout the region.
His comments came as Washington and Tehran moved forward with the agreement following the months-long conflict between the two countries.
Leo also addressed the continuing war in Ukraine, describing recent developments as “painful.” He prayed for renewed dialogue that could make a just and lasting peace possible.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has developed into Europe’s deadliest conflict since World War II and has continued for longer than World War I.
“So many innocent victims, rescuers killed, churches and cultural heritage sites devastated by flames,” Leo said.
The pope expressed solidarity with the people who had lost relatives, those injured in the fighting and those continuing to help others despite the violence.
“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 said.
Leo called for dialogue in both the Middle East and Ukraine, emphasizing negotiation as a path toward peace, security and cooperation.
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