Pope Leo XIV voiced concern on Sunday about developments in the Middle East and Iran, urging the parties involved to stop what he called a "spiral of violence" before it becomes an "unbridgeable chasm."
"Stability and peace are not achieved through mutual threats, nor through the use of weapons, which sow destruction, suffering, and death, but only through reasonable, sincere, and responsible dialogue," the pope said March 1. He appealed for diplomacy to "regain its proper role" and for the "well-being of peoples, who yearn for peaceful existence founded on justice," to be upheld.
The pontiff added: "And let us continue to pray for peace."
Leo also appealed for peace in the conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan, calling for an urgent return to dialogue. He asked Catholics to pray that concord may prevail in conflicts around the world, saying: "Only peace, a gift of God, can heal the wounds between peoples."
The pope also said he was close to the people of Brazil's state of Minas Gerais following severe flooding, offering prayers for victims, families who have lost their homes, and those engaged in rescue operations.
Earlier, before reciting the Angelus, the pope reflected on Sunday's Gospel account of the Transfiguration, describing Christ as the living wisdom who fulfills the law and the prophets. He said the Transfiguration foreshadows the light of Easter — an event of death and resurrection, of darkness and new light that Christ radiates on all bodies scourged by violence, crucified by pain, or abandoned in misery.
Pope Leo said the Lord "transfigures the wounds of history," illuminating minds and hearts with a surprising revelation of salvation. He added that grasping this mystery requires time: time of silence to listen to the Word, and time of conversion to savor the Lord's companionship.
This story was first published by ACI Stampa, the Italian-language sister service of EWTN News, and has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.
