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Pope Leo XIV Urges Immediate Ceasefire, Renewed Dialogue in Middle East

Published by Samuel Ayomide on March 15th, 2026.

Pope Leo XIV has renewed his appeal for peace in the Middle East, urging an end to the ongoing violence and calling on leaders involved in the conflict to reopen diplomatic dialogue.

Speaking during his weekly Angelus prayer at the Vatican City on Sunday, the pontiff expressed deep concern over the humanitarian toll of the war, which he said has left thousands dead and displaced many others across the region.

“Dear brothers and sisters, for two weeks the peoples of the Middle East have suffered the atrocious violence of war,” the Pope said, according to remarks widely reported by international media and cited by Nigerian outlets such as Punch Newspapers and Vanguard Newspapers.

The head of the Roman Catholic Church lamented the growing number of casualties, noting that civilians have borne the brunt of the violence. He said attacks on schools, hospitals, and residential areas have caused immense suffering.

“I renew my closeness to all those who have lost loved ones in the attacks that have hit schools, hospitals, and residential areas,” he said.

The Pope added that thousands of innocent people have been killed, while many others have been forced to abandon their homes in search of safety as hostilities continue across the region

The pontiff also highlighted the deteriorating security situation in Lebanon, describing it as a major source of concern amid the broader Middle East conflict.

Addressing leaders and parties involved in the crisis, he issued a direct appeal for restraint and dialogue.

“Cease fire! Let paths of dialogue be reopened,” he said in Italian.

Pope Leo stressed that lasting peace cannot be achieved through violence, urging all parties to prioritise negotiations and reconciliation.

“Violence can never lead to the justice, stability, and peace that people await,” he added.

Global leaders, religious organisations, and humanitarian groups have continued to call for an immediate ceasefire in the Middle East, warning that the humanitarian situation could worsen if hostilities persist.

Observers say the Pope’s remarks reflect the Vatican’s longstanding position advocating peaceful resolution of conflicts and protection of civilians caught in war zones.