Pope warns U.S.-Israel airstrikes on Iran risk Middle East violence abyss

Pope Leo XIV warned on Sunday that US-Israeli airstrikes on Iran risked plunging the Middle East into an “irreparable abyss” and called on leaders to stop a dangerous spiral of violence.

Speaking at the Angelus, the pope expressed his “deep concern” about the latest developments and called on nations to choose dialogue over war.

“Stability and peace are built only by a reasonable, authentic and responsible dialogue, not by mutual threats or weapons that sow destruction, suffering and death,” the Pope said. Vatican News.

“I wholeheartedly appeal to the parties faced with the possibility of a tragedy of enormous proportions to assume moral responsibility to stop the spiral of violence before it turns into an irreparable abyss!”

The pope’s warning came after Israel and the United States launched a joint military operation against Iran on Saturday, called “Operation Epic Rage.” It was reported that many senior leaders were killed in the attacks, including Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who ruled the Islamic Republic for more than thirty years.

Meanwhile, Iranian airstrikes killed at least eight Israelis on Sunday as Tehran’s latest missile bombardment landed miles from Jerusalem.

The pope reinforced his warning in a two-part message broadcast on X on Sunday morning.

PUTIN: KHAMENEI’S KILLING IS A COCKY VIOLATION OF MORALITY

TEHRAN, IRAN – FEBRUARY 28: Smoke rises in the city center after the Israeli army launched the second wave of air strikes on Iran on February 28, 2026. (Photo: Fatemeh Bahrami/Anadolu via Getty Images) (Fatemeh Bahrami/Anadolu via Getty Images)

“I follow with deep concern what is happening in the Middle East and Iran during these turbulent times.” wrote.

“Stability and peace are achieved only through reasonable, sincere and responsible dialogue, not through mutual threats or the use of weapons that sow destruction, suffering and death.”

Iran’s religious leader Ali Khamenei was killed in the attacks. (Iranian Leader Press Office/Anadolu via Getty Images)

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In a follow-up post, he warned of “the possibility of a tragedy of monumental proportions” and called on all parties involved to “assume the moral responsibility of stopping the spiral of violence before it turns into an unbridgeable abyss.”

“Let diplomacy regain its due role and promote the welfare of peoples who desire a peaceful existence based on justice. And let us continue to pray for peace.” he added.

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