- Pope Leo XIV issued his most forceful demand for a ceasefire in the Middle East, directly appealing to leaders responsible for the conflict in Iran.
- He stressed that violence cannot achieve justice, stability or peace, and called for dialogue to be reopened.
- The Pope referenced a missile strike on an elementary school in Iran that killed over 165 people, many of them children, and expressed solidarity with families affected by attacks on civilian targets.
- While Pope Leo initially maintained a more indirect approach, some US cardinals and the Vatican secretary of state have adopted a more outspoken stance, criticising the war's morality and US actions.
- Despite these criticisms, the Holy See affirmed its commitment to open dialogue with all parties involved, including the Americans and Israelis.
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Pope Leo demands Middle East ceasefire after deadly Iran school attack
