Pope Leo issued a public appeal Sunday for an immediate ceasefire in the expanding war involving Iran, warning that the conflict has caused widespread civilian suffering across the Middle East.

Speaking during the weekly Angelus prayer in St. Peter’s Square, the pope said the violence had taken a heavy toll on non-combatants and called on political leaders and military commanders to halt the fighting.

“For two weeks, the peoples of the Middle East have been suffering the atrocious violence of war,” the pontiff told thousands gathered in the square.

The conflict intensified after the United States and Israel launched military strikes against Iranian targets earlier this month. The fighting has since spread across parts of the region, raising concerns about a broader Middle East war and worsening humanitarian conditions.

Addressing the situation directly, the pope urged those directing the conflict to stop the fighting.

“In the name of Christians in the Middle East and of all women and men of good will, I appeal to those responsible for this conflict: Cease fire,” he said.

The pontiff also expressed concern about the situation in Lebanon, where renewed fighting between Israel and the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah has added to instability in the region.

He said the international community should work toward dialogue and long-term political solutions that could help stabilize Lebanon and ease the suffering of civilians caught in the conflict.

Later Sunday, during a visit to a parish in Rome, the pope again criticized the idea that war can solve political disputes. In a homily delivered to worshippers, he warned against invoking religion to justify violence.

“Today, many of our brothers and sisters in the world are suffering because of violent conflicts,” the pope said. “Problems and disagreements cannot be resolved through war. Instead, there must be persistent dialogue for peace.”

He also condemned efforts by some to use religious language to justify armed conflict, saying faith should never be used to legitimize acts of violence.

“Some even go so far as to invoke the name of God to justify these choices of death,” the pope said. “But God cannot be enlisted by darkness. He brings light, hope, and peace.”

The remarks come as international leaders continue debating diplomatic and military responses to the ongoing war, which has raised fears of a wider regional confrontation and intensified calls from humanitarian organizations for an end to hostilities.