Pope Leo XIV Appeals for Middle East Peace, Lebanon Aid

Pope Leo XIV issued a fervent appeal for peace in the Middle East on Sunday, expressing solidarity with the people of Lebanon amid escalating violence and urging all parties to protect civilians and pursue dialogue. Speaking to thousands in St. Peter's Square after the Regina Coeli prayer, the 70-year-old American pontiff highlighted the moral imperative to shield noncombatants from war's horrors, as Lebanon has suffered over 2,000 deaths from Israeli strikes since being drawn into the conflict last month over Israel's campaign against Iran-backed Hezbollah.

The pope's remarks followed a fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran, which has held tenuously after months of fighting that expanded beyond Iran, disrupted global trade, and caused widespread casualties. They also came as direct talks between U.S. and Iranian officials in Pakistan ended without agreement on ending hostilities. "I am closer than ever, in these days of sorrow, fear, and unconquerable hope in God, to the beloved Lebanese people," Leo XIV said. He emphasized that "the principle of humanity, inscribed in the conscience of every person and recognized in international law, entails the moral...