Pope Leo urges end to ‘madness of war’ as US-Iran negotiations begin
As negotiations begin between the leaders of the United States and Iran, Pope Leo held a prayer vigil for world peace, appealing to leaders to choose dialogue over war.
Pope Leo XIV held a prayer vigil for world peace on the same day the leaders of the United States and Iran met to negotiate an end to the conflict, appealing to world leaders to choose dialogue over war.
“To them we cry,” Pope Leo said at the wake on April 11, according to Vatican News Agency. “Stop! It’s time for peace! Sit at the table of dialogue and mediation, not at the table where rearmament is planned and dangerous actions are decided!”
The Catholic Church leader spoke as Vice President J.D. Vance and Iranian negotiators met for peace talks in Pakistan, where historic face-to-face talks took place. The leaders of the United States and Iran had not met since before the Iranian revolution in 1979.
The Pope’s vigil came hours after President Donald Trump announced a two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran. The American-born pope, who has been an outspoken critic of war, called on the world to join him in “this moment of prayerful and delicate diplomacy.”
During the vigil, Pope Leo called on the faithful and people around the world to “reject war not only in words but also in deeds,” according to Vatican News Agency.
The war, which began in late February when the United States and Israel launched a coordinated attack on Iran, has left at least 13 American soldiers dead and hundreds injured. A top Iranian medical official quoted by FOX News said more than 3,000 people had been killed in Iran.
