The Pope: no more logic of bullying and revenge in the Middle East

In Iran, Israel and Palestine "let the lacerations caused by the bloody actions of recent days be healed, let every logic of arrogance and revenge be rejected, and let the path of dialogue, diplomacy and peace be chosen with determination". This was Pope Leo XIV's appeal at the end of the general audience.

"We continue to follow with attention and with hope the developments of the situation in Iran, Israel and Palestine," said the Pontiff. "The words of the prophet Isaiah resound more urgently than ever: 'One nation will no longer raise its sword against another nation, they will no longer learn the art of war. Let this voice from the Most High be heard!".

The Pontiff recalled that "last Sunday a cowardly terrorist attack was carried out against the Greek Orthodox community in the Mar Elias Church in Damascus". He added: "We entrust the victims to God's mercy and we raise our prayers for the wounded and their families". "To the Christians of the Middle East I say: I am close to you, the whole Church is close to you!" According to Prevost, "this tragic event recalls the profound fragility that still marks Syria after years of conflict and instability". It is therefore "fundamental that the international community does not look away from this country, but continues to offer it support through gestures of solidarity and with a renewed commitment to peace and reconciliation".