Pope warns escalating Iran conflict could tip Middle East into ‘irreparable abyss’

Pope Leo XIV issued a warning Sunday regarding escalating conflict between the U.S., Israel, and Iran, stating it risks plunging the Middle East into an "irreparable abyss." Speaking at the Angelus, the Pope expressed deep concern following the joint U.S.-Israeli military operation "Operation Epic Fury" against Iran on Saturday, which reportedly killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In response, Iranian airstrikes killed at least eight Israelis on Sunday. The Pope urged all involved parties to halt the spiral of violence and choose dialogue over war, emphasizing that stability and peace cannot be achieved through threats and weapons. He reinforced his message on X, calling for diplomacy and prayers for peace.

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