Pope Leo XIV Calls for End to Middle East Violence and Resumption of Diplomacy

Pope Leo XIV urged all parties in the Middle East to suspend military attacks and reopen diplomatic negotiations, warning that continued fighting was endangering civilians and worsening shortages of drinking water and electricity. He cited recent violence in the West Bank, including a shooting in Tell southwest of Nablus that killed at least four Palestinians and two Israeli soldiers, and noted that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz announced intensified operations in areas Israel deems terrorist hubs.

The pontiff appealed for a just political solution based on equal dignity and rights, respect for holy sites, and urged prayers for war‑affected peoples. He also expressed solidarity with victims of wildfires in France and Spain, asking the faithful to pray for those displaced by the fires.