Pope Leo didn’t hold back as he criticized the US’ growing involvement in the conflict between Israel and Iran.
Since becoming the head of the Catholic church, Pope Leo has made it clear he wishes to see an end to the major conflicts around the world.
In his first Sunday noon blessing as pontiff, from the balcony of St Peter's Basilica, he declared to the masses below him: "Never again war."
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The 69-year-old leader welcomed the ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan back in May and called for lasting peace in both Gaza and Ukraine.
Recalling the end of the Second World War 80 years ago, Pope Leo quoted Pope Francis in denouncing the number of conflicts ravaging the globe today, saying it is a 'third world war in pieces'.
Following news that the US had successfully launched strikes on Iran, the pope criticized the move by Donald Trump.
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According to Vatican News, he addressed the launch in his weekly address on Sunday.
He said: “Alarming news continues to emerge from the Middle East, especially from Iran.
“Today, more than ever, humanity cries out and calls for peace. This is a cry that requires responsibility and reason, and it must not be drowned out by the din of weapons or the rhetoric that incites conflict.”
Leo also called on the international community to help nations take steps to peace and ultimately avoid a larger conflict.
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He continued: “Every member of the international community has a moral responsibility to stop the tragedy of war before it becomes an irreparable chasm.
“There are no ‘distant’ conflicts when human dignity is at stake.”
The pope’s comments were particularly well timed as Trump had been posting to social media about the success of the strikes.
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Over the weekend, writing on Truth Social, Trump commented: “We have completed our very successful attack on the three Nuclear sites in Iran, including Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan. All planes are now outside of Iran air space.
"A full payload of BOMBS was dropped on the primary site, Fordow. All planes are safely on their way home.
“Congratulations to our great American Warriors. There is not another military in the World that could have done this. NOW IS THE TIME FOR PEACE! Thank you for your attention to this matter."
Following this, Iran would strike back at a US base, but as things currently stand a ceasefire appears to have been agreed between Israel and Iran.
Topics: Donald Trump, Pope Leo, News, Iran, US News
Gerrard Kaonga