Pope welcomes US-Iran deal and calls for dialogue over Ukraine
On Wednesday, Pope Leo XIV praised the agreement reached between Iran and the United States to end the Middle East conflict, describing it as the outcome of "encouraging work in dialogue and negotiation." This week, the United States and Iran finalized a deal to cease hostilities, and Leo conveyed his "gratitude" to those involved in the negotiations. During his weekly audience at the Vatican, Leo expressed hope that this agreement would enhance mutual trust, security, and stability in the Middle East by fostering dialogue and cooperation among peoples. The 70-year-old pontiff also addressed the "painful" developments regarding the war in Ukraine, praying for "paths of dialogue... to facilitate a just and lasting peace." Russia's invasion of Ukraine has emerged as Europe's deadliest conflict since World War II and has persisted longer than World War I. "Countless innocent victims, rescuers killed, and churches along with cultural ...