Can't Remain Silent To Suffering Of Defenceless: Pope Calls West Asia War 'Scandal To Humanity'

Last Updated:March 22, 2026, 19:55 IST

Pope Leo XIV urge US, Israel and Iran to end the escalating West Asia war and cease strikes from Lebanon to Saudi Arabia and Gulf states.

As the US-Israel war with Iran entered its fourth week, Pope Leo XIV has urged for an immediate ceasefire while calling the death and suffering due to the war in West Asia a “scandal to the whole humanity".

“We cannot remain silent in the face of the suffering of so many people, the defenceless victims of these conflicts," Leo said during his weekly Angelus prayer in St. Peter’s Square.

He further said that he continues to follow the situation in West Asia torn apart by war and violence with “dismay".

Check Latest Updates On Iran-Israel War Status Today

“What hurts them hurts the whole of humanity. I strongly renew my appeal for us to persevere in prayer, so that hostilities may cease and the way may finally be paved for peace," he said.

Dubai, Abu Dhabi News Today Live

This comes days after the Vatican’s top diplomat called on US President Donald Trump to end the expanding Iran war and urged Israel to stop its strikes against Lebanon.

“I would say to finish it as soon as possible … and to leave Lebanon alone," Italian Cardinal Pietro Parolin, a senior advisor to Pope Leo, said in an unusually direct appeal.

Also Read: From ‘Iran Is Gone’ To Fresh Ultimatum In An Hour: Trump’s U-Turn Raises Eyebrows

“This message goes also to the Israelis," he added, speaking to journalists at an event at the Italian parliament.

The conflict in West Asia has sharply escalated with direct US-Israeli strikes on Iran and retaliatory missile attacks across Israel and the Gulf states. The conflict between the Islamic Republic and Israel entered its 23rd day on Sunday, with both sides intensifying military operations.

Iran has kept up retaliatory attacks on Saudi Arabia and nearby nations in response to US-Israeli strikes. The attacks on the oil-rich nations, some of which have targeted energy facilities, have exacerbated concerns of a global energy supply shock.

News world Can't Remain Silent To Suffering Of Defenceless: Pope Calls West Asia War 'Scandal To Humanity'

Read More