Pope Leo Calls Middle East War a ‘Scandal,’ Urges Immediate Ceasefire
3/22/2026 2:56:51 PM
Death and suffering caused by the war in the Middle East are a “scandal to the whole human family”, Pope Leo has said, renewing his plea for an immediate ceasefire.
The American pope said that he continues to follow with “dismay” the situation in the Middle East and in other regions torn apart by violence.
“We cannot remain silent in the face of the suffering of so many people, the defenceless victims of these conflicts. What hurts them hurts the whole of humanity,” Leo said at his weekly Angelus prayer in St Peter’s Square.
“I strongly renew my appeal for us to persevere in prayer, so that hostilities may cease and the way may finally be paved for peace,” he added.
The American pope said that he continues to follow with “dismay” the situation in the Middle East and in other regions torn apart by violence.
“We cannot remain silent in the face of the suffering of so many people, the defenceless victims of these conflicts. What hurts them hurts the whole of humanity,” Leo said at his weekly Angelus prayer in St Peter’s Square.
“I strongly renew my appeal for us to persevere in prayer, so that hostilities may cease and the way may finally be paved for peace,” he added.