We can’t remain silent about war, Pope Leo says

2026-03-22 - 16:10

Pope Leo XIV delivering his homily at St Peter’s Square after praying the Angelus today. (EPA Images pic) LONDON: Pope Leo XIV has expressed his “deep concern” over the war in West Asia, as well as other parts of the world “torn apart by war and violence,” Vatican News reported. After praying the Angelus, the pontiff said: “We cannot remain silent in the face of the suffering of so many people, innocent victims of these conflicts.” He called for an end to violence around the world, urging everyone to persevere in prayer. He said the continuous violence wounds everyone, adding that “what harms them harms all of humanity.” The pope warned that the pain, death and suffering brought about by these wars “are a scandal to the entire human family.” Regional escalation has continued to intensify since the US and Israel launched a joint offensive on Iran on Feb 28, killing more than 1,300 people, including the supreme leader Ali Khamenei. Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, as well as Jordan, Iraq and Gulf countries hosting US military bases.