Pope Leo voices alarm over Iran, wider Middle East conflict

Pope Leo XIV voiced concern that the conflict involving Iran could spread across the Middle East and destabilize other countries in the region, including Lebanon.

"Reports from Iran and across the entire Middle East continue to cause deep dismay and raise the fear that the conflict will expand, and that other countries in the region, including dear Lebanon, may once again sink into instability," Pope Leo XIV said in a post on X.

"Let us pray together for the roar of bombs to cease, weapons to fall silent, and space to open for dialogue, in which people's voices may be heard," he added.