By Ayomide Otitoju
Pope Leo XIV on Sunday appealed for an end to the “roar of bombs” in the Middle East, as the conflict sparked by US-Israeli air strikes on Iran entered its ninth day.
Speaking at the conclusion of the Angelus prayer, the US-born pontiff expressed deep concern over the escalating violence. “Added to the episodes of violence and devastation and the widespread climate of hatred and fear, is the fear that the conflict will spread, and that other countries in the region, including beloved Lebanon, may once again sink into instability,” he said.
The appeal comes as Iran prepares to announce its new supreme leader, following air strikes that destroyed fuel depots and sent thick smoke over Tehran. In response, Iran has launched missile and drone attacks targeting Gulf countries and other areas across the region.
US President Donald Trump has not ruled out deploying American ground forces to Iran, while asserting that the conflict is progressing rapidly.
Pope Leo concluded his remarks with a call for dialogue and reconciliation. “I pray that the roar of the bombs may cease, the weapons may fall silent, and a space for dialogue may open in which the voices of the peoples may be heard,” he said.
