Pope urges for dialogue on Iran, Syria, greater peace efforts in Ukraine

(MENAFN) Pope Leo XIV on Sunday appealed for dialogue in response to ongoing unrest in Iran and Syria, while also pressing for greater international efforts to bring peace to Ukraine.

Delivering his traditional Sunday prayer from the window overlooking St. Peter’s Basilica, the pontiff turned his attention to global conflicts. He said he had been reflecting on developments in the Middle East, especially in Iran and Syria. “Persistent tensions are causing the deaths of many people,” he noted, expressing hope that “dialogue and peace will be cultivated with patience, in pursuit of the common ground.”

Addressing the war in Ukraine, Pope Leo described recent strikes as “particularly serious, targeting mainly energy infrastructure, while the cold intensifies, hitting the civilian population hard.” He added: “I pray for those who are suffering, and I renew my call for an end to violence and for intensified efforts to achieve peace.”

The pope’s remarks come as Iran continues to face widespread protests that began on December 28 at Tehran’s Grand Bazaar, triggered by the collapse of the rial and worsening economic conditions. Demonstrations have since spread to multiple cities. Rights monitors estimate at least 116 deaths and more than 2,600 arrests, though official figures have not been released.

In Syria, authorities report that since Tuesday, YPG/SDF forces have shelled residential areas, civilian sites, and Syrian Army positions in Aleppo. The attacks have killed 23 people, injured over 100, and displaced roughly 165,000 residents from the Ashrafieh and Sheikh Maqsoud neighborhoods.

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