STORY: Pope Leo said on Sunday (March 8) that deeply troubling news continued to arrive from Iran and across the Middle East, urging an end to the violence and renewed efforts to open space for dialogue.

In his Angelus prayer in St. Peter’s Square Leo, the first U.S. pope, warned that the conflict was fuelling fear and hatred and raised concerns that it could spread further as fighting escalated on the ninth day of the U.S.-Israeli assault on Iran.

Speaking on International Women's Day, the pontiff also remembered women who are victims of discrimination and violence and renewed the commitment to "the recognition of the equal dignity of man and woman".

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

SHOWS: VATICAN CITY (MARCH 8, 2026) (VATICAN MEDIA - Access all)

1. POPE LEO APPEARING AT WINDOW OF APOSTOLIC PALACE, POPE GREETING CROWD

2. PEOPLE IN ST PETER’S SQUARE

3. (SOUNDBITE) (Italian) POPE LEO XIV SAYING:

“Dear brothers and sisters, news continue to arrive from Iran and from the whole Middle East that cause deep concern. In addition to the episodes of violence and devastation and the widespread climate of hatred and fear, there is the fear that the conflict will spread and that other countries in the region, including dear Lebanon, may sink again into instability”.

4. PEOPLE IN SQUARE

5. (SOUNDBITE) (Italian) POPE LEO SAYING:

“We raise our humble prayer to the Lord that the clamour of bombs may cease, that weapons may fall silent, and that a space for dialogue may open up in which the voice of the peoples can be heard”.

6. PEOPLE IN SQUARE

7. (SOUNDBITE) (Italian) POPE LEO SAYING: (PARTLY OVERLAID BY WOMEN IN SQUARE LISTENING)

“Today, March 8, is Women's Day. We renew our commitment, which for us Christians is based on the Gospel, to the recognition of the equal dignity of man and woman. Unfortunately, many women, from childhood onwards, are still discriminated and suffer various forms of violence. To them, in a special way, I offer my solidarity and prayer”.

8. WOMAN USING PHONE TO FILM

9. NUNS PRAYING IN SQUARE

10. POPE WAVING AND LEAVING