Pope praises US‑Iran agreement and urges dialogue in Ukraine

Pope Leo XIV praised a recent agreement between the United States and Iran aimed at ending the conflict in the Middle East, describing it as the result of “encouraging work in dialogue and negotiation.”

The United States and Iran reached the deal earlier this week, and the pope expressed his “gratitude” to those who assisted the negotiations.

“I hope that this agreement will contribute to strengthening mutual trust, security, and stability in the Middle East by promoting paths of dialogue and cooperation between peoples,” Leo said during his weekly audience at the Vatican.

The 70‑year‑old pontiff also referred to the “painful” news about the war in Ukraine and prayed for “paths of dialogue… to make a just and lasting peace possible.”

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has become Europe’s bloodiest conflict since World War II and has persisted longer than World War I.

“So many innocent victims, rescuers killed, churches and cultural heritage sites devastated by flames,” Leo said.

“I am close to those mourning their loved ones, to the injured, and to those who, amidst the violence, continue to serve life with courage,” he added.

AFP

The post Pope hails US‑Iran deal, calls for dialogue in Ukraine appeared first on Vanguard News.