Pope Leo XIV on Sunday called for an end to the “roar of bombs” in the Middle East as the conflict triggered by United States–Israeli air strikes on Iran entered its ninth day.
Speaking after the Angelus prayer, the US-born pontiff said the situation in the region “continues to arouse deep dismay.”
He noted that the crisis has been worsened by escalating violence, destruction, and a growing atmosphere of hatred and fear, alongside concerns that the conflict could spread to other countries across the region.
The pope also warned that the rising tensions could draw additional nations into instability, specifically mentioning Lebanon, which he described as a beloved country that risks being plunged into turmoil again.
Meanwhile, Iran was preparing on Sunday to announce its new supreme leader after the US-Israeli air strikes hit fuel depots and sparked fires in parts of Tehran, leaving thick smoke hanging over the city.