Pope Leo XIV Urges Middle East Conflict To End Soon

Pope Leo XIV has issued a call for the conflict in Central East Timor to end soon. (ANTARA/Vatican Media/aha.)

JAKARTA - Pope Leo XIV urged the creation of peace in the Middle East, as well as warned of the risk of an uncontrolled escalation of the conflict following the US attack on Iran's nuclear facilities and Tehran's counter-missile attacks on Israeli cities.

"We have to stop the tragedy of war before it becomes an irreparable 'jurang'," the world's top Catholic leader said on Sunday.

Calling the situation in the Middle East worrying, he warned that the suffering of civilians, especially in Gaza and other zones of conflict, was "hit risked" amid the escalation of the conflict.

"Currently, more than ever, humanity is screaming and begging for peace," he said.

"He urged that this call be responded to with responsibility and common sense, rather than being hit by gunfire and rhetoric that sparked conflict."

The Pope warned that continued violence could lead to a point that could not be restored.

"There is no war that is far away when human dignity is at stake," he said.

"War does not solve the problem. War actually increases the problem and causes deep wounds in the history of society which take several generations to heal," he added.

Leo XIV stressed that there is no military victory that can defeat the pain of mothers who are grieving, the fears experienced by children, and the stolen future of young people.

"Let diplomacy silence weapons. Let countries map their future through peaceful acts, not violence and bloody conflict," he said.

He ended his call by asking the international community to take firm action in responding to this crisis.

"Everyone, especially those who have a responsibility, is called to prevent humanity from walking on an irreparable road," he said.

Tensions in the Middle East escalated after US President Donald Trump announced that his forces had launched airstrikes against three Iranian nuclear facilities located in Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan, on Saturday night (21/6).

After Trump's announcement, Iran called on the UN Security Council to hold an emergency meeting to condemn US attacks and hold parties deemed to have violated international law accountable.

The latest conflict in the region broke out on June 13 when Israel launched airstrikes at several locations in Iran, including military and nuclear facilities, prompting Tehran to launch retaliatory attacks.

Israeli authorities say at least 25 people have died and hundreds of others have been injured as a result of Iranian missile attacks since then.

Meanwhile, Iran's Ministry of Health reported 430 deaths and more than 3,500 injured as a result of Israeli attacks.