Pope Urges 'Responsibility and Reason' from Israel and Iran Amid Escalating Conflict
Pope urges Israel-Iran restraint amid escalating conflict, calls for 'responsibility and reason'. Warns against nuclear threats as retaliatory strikes continue, wounding 7 Israeli soldiers.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Pope Leo XIV on Saturday issued a strong appeal to both Israel and Iran, urging them to act with “responsibility and reason” as their confrontation deepens into the largest military clash between the two regional adversaries.
“The situation in Iran and Israel has seriously deteriorated at such a delicate moment. I wish to forcefully renew an appeal for responsibility and reason,” the Pope said in a public statement from the Vatican.
In his remarks, the pontiff underscored the critical need for diplomacy, emphasizing that long-term stability can only be achieved through mutual respect and open channels of communication.
“The commitment to build a safer world free from the nuclear threat must be pursued through a respectful meeting and sincere dialogue,” he said. “No one should ever threaten the existence of the other.”
The Pope's call comes as tensions continue to escalate in the wake of a large-scale missile barrage launched by Iran in retaliation for Israeli airstrikes on its military and nuclear infrastructure.
According to a military spokesperson, seven Israeli soldiers were wounded overnight when Iranian missiles struck central Israel. The attack targeted an area that includes Tel Aviv, home to Israel’s Defense Ministry and military headquarters.
With both nations exchanging fire and the threat of broader regional destabilization looming, the Vatican’s intervention adds a moral weight to growing international calls for de-escalation and restraint.
