Pope Urges Protection of Lebanese Civilians, Calls for Peace Talks

Vatican City — Pope Leo XIV on Sunday expressed solidarity with the Lebanese people and called for the protection of civilians, urging all parties in the Middle East conflict to pursue peace through dialogue.

Speaking at St. Peter’s Square after his Regina Coeli prayer, the pontiff said he felt “closer than ever” to Lebanon amid escalating violence, describing a moral obligation under international law to shield civilians from the effects of war.“

The principle of humanity entails the moral obligation to protect the civilian population from the atrocious effects of war,” he said, addressing crowds gathered at the Vatican.

Lebanon has been drawn into the regional conflict since last month, as Israel intensified strikes against Hezbollah, with Lebanese authorities reporting more than 2,000 people killed.

Without naming specific countries, the pope urged warring sides to seek a peaceful resolution, reiterating calls for dialogue and mediation over continued military escalation.

His remarks followed the failure of recent talks between the United States and Iran in Pakistan to reach an agreement aimed at ending the broader conflict.

On Saturday, the pope delivered one of his strongest appeals yet against the war, calling on leaders to halt hostilities and return to negotiations. “Stop! It is time for peace!” he said, criticizing what he described as a growing reliance on rearmament and displays of power.

The 70-year-old pontiff, who leads the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics, has repeatedly called for de-escalation and a diplomatic solution to the conflict.

He is scheduled to travel to Algeria on Monday for an 11-day visit focused on interfaith dialogue and strengthening ties with the Islamic world.