Pope Leo XIV Welcomes US-Iran Deal, Calls for Peace in Ukraine

Pope Leo XIV has welcomed the newly announced agreement between the United States and Iran aimed at ending the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, describing it as the product of constructive dialogue and diplomacy.

Speaking during his weekly general audience at the Vatican on Wednesday, the pontiff expressed gratitude to all those involved in the negotiations and voiced hope that the agreement would contribute to greater stability across the region.

The United States and Iran announced the agreement earlier this week, with both sides presenting it as a significant diplomatic breakthrough designed to ease tensions and bring an end to hostilities.

Reflecting on the development, Pope Leo praised the efforts that led to the deal.

“I express my gratitude to all those who contributed to this encouraging work in dialogue and negotiation,” the Pope said.

“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.”

The remarks underscore the Vatican’s long-standing support for diplomacy as a means of resolving international conflicts and preventing further humanitarian crises.

Beyond the Middle East, the Pope also turned attention to the war in Ukraine, where fighting continues more than four years after Russia’s invasion.

Describing reports emerging from the conflict as deeply painful, Leo renewed his appeal for negotiations capable of delivering a lasting settlement.

He prayed for “paths of dialogue” that could make “a just and lasting peace possible.”

The 70-year-old pontiff lamented the growing human cost of the war, highlighting the suffering of civilians, emergency responders and communities devastated by the conflict.

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

The Pope also offered prayers for families mourning loved ones and expressed solidarity with those injured or displaced by the violence.

“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.

Pope Leo’s comments come at a time of heightened global concern over multiple conflicts and growing calls for renewed diplomatic engagement to address international security challenges.