Pope Leo XIV expressed hope for peace in the Middle East as the United States and Iran moved to sign their agreement, and renewed his appeal for an end to the war in Ukraine.
The pontiff has made interfaith dialogue and peace diplomacy central themes of his papacy, and recently urged unity at a gathering of Christian and Muslim leaders in Lebanon.
A year of peace diplomacy
The Vatican's appeals have accompanied a busy 2026 agenda for Pope Leo XIV, including the conclusion of the Jubilee of Hope and his first consistory of cardinals since his election.
Church officials framed the pope's remarks as part of a sustained effort to keep moral pressure on the parties to translate ceasefire pledges into a lasting settlement.
