Pope Leo has repeatedly and sharply criticised the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, denouncing the resulting death and suffering as a “scandal to the whole human family.” He has renewed his plea for an immediate ceasefire as the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran enters its fourth week, following the situation with “dismay.”
The pontiff specifically condemned aerial bombardments, describing them as indiscriminate and calling for a ban on such attacks. He stated aeroplanes should be “carriers of peace,” not instruments of war.
These comments were made during meetings with staff from the Italian national airline ITA Airways and in public statements released on Sunday and Monday. The Pope, the first from the United States, continues to express strong anti-war sentiments.