VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo XIV hailed the recent announcement of a two-week ceasefire in the Iran conflict, urging both negotiation and prayer to secure lasting peace in the Middle East.
At his general audience in St. Peter’s Square on April 8, the pope said, “The news of an immediate truce fills me with hope. May it be a moment to encourage dialogue and end the suffering caused by war.”
In light of the ceasefire agreement involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, Pope Leo emphasized that lasting peace depends on diplomacy. He called on the faithful to support ongoing efforts through prayer and announced a peace vigil at St. Peter’s Basilica on April 11.
Addressing global audiences, he condemned attacks on civilian infrastructure as unlawful and morally unacceptable, urging citizens worldwide to call on their leaders to seek peace rather than conflict. “The human desire for peace is universal. We must insist that authorities work to avoid war,” he said.
On spiritual matters, the pope reflected on Lumen Gentium, asserting that holiness is a gift for all baptized Christians, not a privilege for a select few. Charity and love for God and neighbor form the heart of this vocation, nurtured through the sacraments, particularly the Eucharist.
He further highlighted the prophetic significance of consecrated life, explaining that vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience demonstrate the kingdom of God and bear witness to the call to holiness. Pope Leo concluded by reminding believers that even human suffering, united with Christ’s passion, can become transformative, pointing toward grace and divine encounter.
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