Pope Leo on Sunday denounced the ongoing war in the Middle East, calling the widespread death and suffering a “scandal to the whole human family” and urging an immediate end to hostilities. Speaking during his weekly Angelus prayer in St. Peter’s Square, the pontiff said he has been following developments in the region with “dismay” as violence continues to escalate.

The conflict, involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, has now entered its fourth week, with reports of increasing civilian casualties and humanitarian strain across affected areas. The pope emphasized the toll on innocent people, describing them as defenseless victims caught in the crossfire of broader geopolitical tensions.

“We cannot remain silent in the face of the suffering of so many people,” Pope Leo said. “What hurts them hurts the whole of humanity,” he added, framing the crisis as a moral issue with global consequences.

He also renewed his call for prayer and diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the fighting, stressing the need for a ceasefire as a first step toward stability. The appeal reflects the Vatican’s longstanding position advocating for peaceful resolution to armed conflicts and the protection of civilian life.

The comments come amid continued international concern over the expanding scope of the war and its potential to destabilize the broader region. Pope Leo’s remarks underscore growing calls from global figures for de-escalation as the conflict shows no immediate signs of slowing.