Pope Leo XIV expressed deep concern over the escalating crisis in the Middle East on Sunday, following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Hosseini Khamenei and several senior regime officials.
In a statement posted on his official X account, the pontiff condemned the use of threats and weapons, stating they only lead to “destruction, suffering, and death.”
He made a heartfelt appeal to all parties involved to embrace “reasonable, sincere, and responsible dialogue” to prevent the situation from spiralling into “a tragedy of immense proportions.”
“I am following with deep concern what is happening in the Middle East and in Iran during this tumultuous time,” the Pope said.
“Faced with the possibility of a tragedy of immense proportions, I make a heartfelt appeal to all the parties involved to assume the moral responsibility of halting the spiral of violence before it becomes an unbridgeable chasm.”
He called for diplomacy to be restored to its rightful place and emphasised the need to protect the well-being of people who “yearn for peaceful existence founded on justice.”
The Pope concluded by encouraging continued prayers for peace in the region: “And let us continue to pray for peace.”
Iranian state media earlier confirmed Khamenei’s death in an attack on his office during the coordinated U.S.-Israeli strikes that began early Saturday. Authorities declared a 40-day national mourning period for the 86-year-old leader who had ruled Iran since 1989.
Initial reports from Iranian outlets like Tasnim and Mehr had denied the Supreme Leader’s death, insisting he remained in command. The narrative shifted when state television formally acknowledged his killing.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced Khamenei’s death on Truth Social, stating that American intelligence and close coordination with Israel ensured the operation’s success.
“He was unable to avoid our Intelligence and Highly Sophisticated Tracking Systems and, working closely with Israel, there was not a thing he, or the other leaders that have been killed along with him, could do,” Trump wrote.
He described the assassination as a potential turning point for Iran’s internal politics.
