Pope Leo XIV has welcomed the announcement of a ceasefire between the United States, Israel and Iran, describing it as “a sign of deep hope” and urging all parties to return to the negotiating table.

Speaking at the end of his general audience on Wednesday 8 April, the Pope referred to the tensions that have escalated across the Middle East in recent weeks. Referring to the announcement made on the evening of 7 April, he said he welcomed the news “with satisfaction and as a sign of deep hope”.

Addressing the faithful gathered in St Peter’s Square, Pope Leo said that “only through a return to the negotiating table can we bring the war to an end”. He urged Catholics to accompany this delicate diplomatic moment with prayer, expressing the hope that a willingness to engage in dialogue might also help resolve other conflicts around the world.

The Vatican said the agreement amounted to a two-week ceasefire in the war involving Iran, the United States and Israel. It also noted that the announced pause would not extend to Lebanon, where fighting has continued and where the conflict has already exacted a heavy human toll.

The Pope also renewed an invitation to the faithful to take part in a Prayer Vigil for Peace in St Peter’s Basilica on Friday 11 April at 6pm Rome time, saying that those present in person and those joining from home were welcome to participate.

The appeal is consistent with Pope Leo’s recent interventions on the conflict. In March, after the Angelus, he called on those responsible for the war to agree to a ceasefire and reopen paths of dialogue, warning that violence could not bring the justice, stability and peace for which peoples long. He also spoke of the suffering inflicted on civilians and expressed concern for Lebanon.

The ceasefire announcement came only days after the Pope used his Easter message to call on those with weapons to lay them down and those with the power to unleash war to choose peace through dialogue rather than domination.