Pope Leo XIV on the attack on Iran: “halt the spiral of violence before it becomes an unbridgeable chasm”

Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – Faced with the “possibility of a tragedy of immense proportions,” only one thing remains to be done: “halt the spiral of violence before it becomes an unbridgeable chasm.” The words chosen by Pope Leo XIV in his first public statement on the new international crisis following the Israeli-American attack on Iran on Saturday morning, February 28, are unequivocal.

Following the Sunday Angelus prayer, the Bishop of Rome, speaking from the window of his study in the Apostolic Palace, said he was following “deep concern what is happening in the Middle East and in Iran during this tumultuous time.”

In his address to the pilgrims and faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square, the Pope affirmed: “Stability and peace are not achieved through mutual threats, nor through the use of weapons, which sow destruction, suffering, and death, but only through reasonable, sincere, and responsible dialogue.” Faced with the “possibility of a tragedy of immense proportions,” he made a heartfelt appeal “to all the parties involved to assume the moral responsibility of halting the spiral of violence before it becomes an unbridgeable chasm.” “May diplomacy regain its proper role, and may the well-being of peoples, who yearn for peaceful existence founded on justice, be upheld. And let us continue to pray for peace.”

Pope Leo XIV also recalled the “troubling news of clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan.” “I urgently appeal for a return to dialogue,” continued the successor of Peter. “Let us pray together that harmony may prevail in all conflicts throughout the world. Only peace, a gift of God, can heal the wounds between peoples.”

Iranian state television confirmed today that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Supreme Leader of Iran, was also killed in yesterday’s Israeli-American bombing.

In his speech announcing the attack on Iran, US President Donald Trump unequivocally stated his intention to bring about regime change in the Islamic Republic of Iran through armed intervention on Iranian soil. “To the great and proud Iranian people,” Trump declared, “I say tonight that the hour of your freedom is at hand. Stay sheltered. Don’t leave your home. It’s very dangerous outside. Bombs will be dropping everywhere. When we are finished, take over your government, it will be yours to take. This will be probably your only chance for generations.” (GV) (Agenzia Fides, 1/3/2026)

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