Pope Leo XIV expressed deep concern over the military conflict between Israel and Iran, urging both sides to respond rationally and engage in dialogue.
On June 14 (local time), during a Jubilee audience event at St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican, the Pope stated, "I am watching the current situation with great concern," and added, "At such a sensitive time, I once again strongly urge responsibility and reason."
He went on to emphasize, "Efforts to create a safer world without nuclear threats must be achieved through mutual respect and sincere dialogue," and added, "This should lead to sustainable peace based on justice, fraternity, and the common good."
The Pope also stated, "No one should threaten the existence of others," and said, "It is the duty of all nations to support the cause of peace, seek paths to reconciliation, and find solutions that guarantee the safety and dignity of all."
As Iran retaliated against Israel's airstrike on its nuclear facilities, the two countries have continued their clashes for a second day. Previously, in the early hours of June 13, just two days before the sixth round of nuclear talks between the United States and Iran, Israel launched surprise strikes on dozens of Iran's nuclear and military facilities. At the same time, targeted airstrikes were also carried out against nuclear scientists, including Hossein Salami, Commander-in-Chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), and Fereydoon Abbasi, former head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran.
In response to Israel's attack, Iran launched a large number of missiles toward Israeli territory as retaliation. Iran's airstrikes continued for about four times through the early morning of June 14.
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