Pope Leo urges peace as Gaza crisis widens; Vatican voices ceasefire and diplomacy in Middle East amid rising tensions. Pope Leo XIV leads global Catholic Church.
As the US-Israeli war on Iran enters its fourth week, Pope Leo expressed dismay over ongoing violence in the Middle East, urging for peace and diplomacy. He highlighted concerns over civilian casualties, including children, and the situation in Lebanon, calling for an end to hostilities.
The Vatican's Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, called for an immediate end to the conflict in the Middle East, urging leaders to pursue diplomacy and avoid escalation. Pope Leo also appealed for a ceasefire, emphasizing the suffering of civilians and the importance of dialogue, especially in Lebanon and among Christian communities.
A Pentagon official, Pete Hegseth, has promoted Christian rhetoric and symbolism, including hosting worship services and referencing biblical passages, amid rising tensions with Iran. Critics warn this risks undermining military neutrality and inflames religious and geopolitical tensions.
Pope Leo has delivered repeated calls for peace during the ongoing US-Israeli war against Iran, emphasizing dialogue over violence. Speaking at Easter and a peace vigil, he condemned the use of Christian faith to justify war and highlighted the suffering in Lebanon and the broader Middle East. Meanwhile, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has intensified Christian rhetoric within the military, prompting controversy and legal challenges.
Gaza's small Christian community marks Easter with prayers and traditions despite severe shortages and violence. Many have fled, and church attendance is down. Restrictions and attacks have disrupted religious practices, highlighting ongoing conflict and humanitarian struggles in the region.
The Department of Defense has simplified its list of recognized religious denominations from about 200 to 31, removing the “Christian” label from Latter-day Saints references. Utah lawmakers, led by Sen. Mike Lee, have criticized the move, prompting a Pentagon clarification that the change is a proposal aimed at improving clerical work and not a statement on doctrinal legitimacy.