Pope Leo XIV called for an immediate ceasefire on Sunday as fighting between Israel and Hezbollah continues, urging all parties to respect international law and protect civilians.

The pontiff issued his most direct appeal since the conflict began on Sunday, March 15, urging those responsible for the conflict to open the way to dialogue. Without naming the United States or Israel, the first American pope in history nonetheless ...

Pope Leo XIV welcomed the ceasefire in the Middle East as “a sign of genuine hope" after what he described as “hours of extreme tension.”

The White House pushed back at the Vatican and defended praying for U.S. troops fighting in Iran after Pope Leo XIV warned that God rejects the prayers “of those who wage war,” Barron’s reported.

Only through a return to negotiation can the war come to an end,’ the Pope said at the end of his weekly general audience.