Pope Leo XIV has kept up his efforts to stop the president’s war that wasn’t approved, speaking strongly during his Sunday prayer.
The pope said that civilians in the Middle East have been going through terrible violence from war for weeks.
The U.S. and Israel first attacked Iran on February 28.
The number of deaths has gone up quickly as the military attacks, called “Operation Epic Fury” by the U.S., have gotten stronger in recent weeks and spread across the region.
The attacks have now included Lebanon, which has started a deadly conflict with Israel again. The total number of people who have died in all the affected countries since the operation began is over 2,000. Most of those killed are from Iran and Lebanon, but at least 13 U.S. soldiers have also died because of the attacks.
In an X post, Pope Leo XIV, who is 70 years old, said, “On behalf of the Christians of the [Middle East], and of all women and men of good will, I appeal to those responsible for this conflict: cease fire!”
He added, “May paths of dialogue be reopened! Violence can never lead to the justice, stability and peace for which the peoples are waiting.”
During his prayer, the pope showed concern for those who have been killed or forced to leave their homes because of the war.
He also showed support for people in Lebanon.
He said, “I hope for paths of dialogue that can help the country’s leaders find lasting solutions to the serious crisis that is happening, for the common good of all the Lebanese people.”
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