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.
