Pope calls for ceasefire and rejects atrocious violence in the Middle East

Pope Leo 14 reaffirmed his request for peace and a ceasefire in the Middle East, during the Angelus prayer, at the Vatican, this Sunday (15). In addition to drawing attention to the serious situation faced by the people of the region since the United States and Israel decided to attack Iran at the end of February, the pontiff called for dialogue for a peaceful exit.

“For two weeks, the people of the Middle East have suffered the atrocious violence of war. Thousands of innocent people were killed and many others forced to leave their homes. I renew my closeness in prayer to all those who lost their loved ones in the attacks that hit schools, hospitals and inhabited centers”, said Leo 14.

After the serious situation imposed by the two countries on the Palestinians in Gaza, a new offensive, this time centered on Iran, led to a new wave of destruction and deaths.

Estimates are that, in total, around three thousand people (including civilians and military personnel) in the region lost their lives. In Iran alone there were more than 1,300, of which 200 were children — most of them killed after bombing a school at the beginning of the attacks. Lebanon has more than 770.

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“In the name of Christians in the Middle East and all women and men of good will, I address those responsible for this conflict. Cease the fire! Reopen the paths of dialogue. Violence can never lead to the justice, stability and peace that the peoples hope for”, emphasized the pope.

Referring to Lebanon, Leão 14 also reinforced his desire for “paths of dialogue to be opened that can support the country’s authorities in implementing lasting solutions to the serious ongoing crisis, for the common good of all Lebanese”.

This Monday (16), the Israeli Army announced the start of ground operations in southern Lebanon, expanding the military offensive against Hezbollah amid the regional escalation of the conflict.

Still on Sunday (15), Donald Trump said that Iran would be willing to negotiate an agreement, but that the terms presented would not be acceptable to the United States.

Then, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi declared: “We don’t see any reason to talk to the Americans now, because when we were talking, they attacked us.”

With agencies