Pope Leo XIV Urges Ceasefire in Middle East Conflict

VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born pontiff, described the death and suffering from the ongoing war in the Middle East as a "scandal to the whole human family" on March 22, 2026, while renewing his call for an immediate ceasefire during his weekly Angelus address in St. Peter's Square.

The pope's remarks came as the conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran entered its fourth week, marked by intensified military operations. U.S. and Israeli forces have conducted strikes on targets in Iran, prompting retaliatory missile attacks from Iran on Israel, Saudi Arabia, and other Gulf states. Fighting has also escalated in Lebanon, with reports of strikes targeting energy facilities in oil-rich nations, raising fears of disruptions to global energy supplies. As of mid-March, the violence had claimed approximately 2,000 lives, including 13 U.S. service members, according to Vatican reports.

"We cannot remain silent in the face of the suffering of so many people, the defenceless victims of these conflicts," Leo said, addressing thousands gathered under drizzly skies in the Vatican plaza. "What hurts them hurts the whole of humanity." He urged continued prayer to...