Pope Leo appealed on Saturday (June 14) for authorities in Iran and Israel to act with "reason" after recent airstrikes and to pursue dialog.

He told an audience in St. Peter's Basilica he was following the situation with "great concern."

"In such a delicate moment, I strongly wish to renew an appeal to responsibility and to reason," said the pope.

"The commitment to building a safer world free from the nuclear threat must be pursued through respectful encounters and sincere dialog to build a lasting peace, founded on justice, fraternity, and the common good," he said.

"No one should ever threaten the existence of another," said Leo. "It is the duty of all countries to support the cause of peace, initiating paths of reconciliation and promoting solutions that guarantee security and dignity for all."

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

VATICAN CITY (JUNE 14, 2025) (VATICAN MEDIA – Access all)

1. POPE WALKING DOWN AISLE OF ST PETER’S BASILICA AT THE VATICAN WAVING TO CROWDS

2. CROWD OF PEOPLE WATCHING AND FILMING ON PHONES

3. VIEW OF INSIDE OF ST PETER’S BASILICA

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

“The situation in Iran and Israel has seriously deteriorated, and at such a delicate moment I feel compelled to strongly renew an appeal to responsibility and reason. The commitment to building a safer world, free from the nuclear threat, must continue through respectful engagement and sincere dialogue.”

5. VIEW OF INSIDE OF ST PETER’S BASILICA

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

"To build a lasting peace, founded on justice, fraternity, and the common good, no one must ever work against the existence of another. It is the duty of all countries to support the cause of peace, initiating paths of reconciliation and promoting solutions that ensure security and dignity for all."

7. POPE STEPPING DOWN STAIRS AFTER MASS ENDS

8. INSIDE OF ST PETER'S BASILICA, PEOPLE LEAVING