Pope Prays ‘Roar Of The Bombs’ In Middle East Will Cease

Pope Prays ‘Roar Of The Bombs’ in Middle East Will Cease

Vatican City The head of the Roman Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV, on Sunday prayed that the “roar of bombs” in the Middle East would cease as the escalating conflict triggered by United States and Israel air strikes on Iran entered its ninth day. Delivering his message during the weekly Angelus prayer at St. Peter’s Square in the Vatican City, the pontiff expressed deep concern over the rising violence and warned that the conflict could spread further across the region.

Addressing thousands of pilgrims gathered in the square, the Pope said news from the region continued to cause “deep dismay,” highlighting the destruction and growing climate of fear caused by the fighting. He urged prayers for peace, saying The Pope stressed that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only path to resolving the conflict and preventing further devastation. The pontiff warned that the violence could destabilise other countries in the region if it continues unchecked. He specifically mentioned fears that nations such as Lebanon could once again be drawn into instability if the conflict spreads. According to the Vatican, the ongoing attacks and retaliatory strikes have created widespread fear and heightened tensions across the Middle East.

The Pope’s appeal comes as fighting triggered by U.S.–Israeli air strikes on Iran continues to escalate. Iran has launched missile and drone retaliation across the region, targeting military and infrastructure sites in Gulf countries, raising fears of a broader regional war. The escalating conflict has already affected energy markets, security in Gulf states, and global diplomatic relations.

The Vatican has also voiced concern over the legality and consequences of the military campaign. Earlier in the week, the Holy See’s top diplomat warned that so-called “preventive wars” undermine international law and could trigger wider instability if such actions become normalized. Pope Leo concluded his address by urging world leaders to choose diplomacy over confrontation and to prioritize the wellbeing of civilians caught in the conflict. He called on the international community to create space for negotiations and reconciliation, saying that peace can only be achieved through dialogue rather than continued violence.