Trending 
Pope Leo XIV has welcomed the agreement reached between the United States and Iran to end the Middle East conflict, describing it as a positive result of diplomatic efforts and negotiations.
Speaking at the Vatican on Wednesday, the pope expressed gratitude to those involved in the negotiations.
He said he hoped the agreement would help strengthen trust, security and stability in the Middle East by encouraging cooperation among nations.
“I hope that this agreement will contribute to strengthening mutual trust, security, and stability in the Middle East by promoting paths of dialogue and cooperation between peoples,” Leo said.
He also called for renewed efforts to resolve the war in Ukraine, describing the continued violence and loss of lives as painful and urging the pursuit of dialogue to achieve a just and lasting peace.
The pope said he remained close to families mourning loved ones, the injured and those working to protect lives, while lamenting the deaths of civilians, rescuers and the destruction of churches and cultural heritage sites.
“So many innocent victims, rescuers killed, churches and cultural heritage sites devastated by flames,” Leo said.
“I am close to those mourning their loved ones, to the injured, and to those who, amidst the violence, continue to serve life with courage,” he said.
