Pope Leo on Sunday expressed “deep concern” following U.S.-Israeli strikes against Iran and urged leaders to halt what he described as a dangerous escalation.

Speaking during his weekly Angelus address in St. Peter's Square, the pontiff made a direct appeal to all parties involved in the conflict.

“I address a heartfelt appeal to the parties involved to assume the moral responsibility to stop the spiral of violence before it becomes an irreparable abyss,” Pope Leo said.

He warned that further escalation could undermine regional and global stability, emphasizing that lasting peace cannot be achieved through force.

“Stability and peace are not built through mutual threats or through weapons,” he said, “but only through reasonable, genuine, and responsible dialogue.”

The remarks come as tensions continue to rise in the Middle East following the latest round of strikes and retaliatory action.