Pope Leo has called for an end to violence in the Middle East and urged renewed international efforts to reopen channels of dialogue, expressing deep concern over rising tensions and the risk of the conflict spreading to other countries in the region.

Speaking during his weekly address at St. Peter’s Square, the pontiff said he had received “deeply worrying” reports from Iran and several parts of the Middle East. He stressed the urgent need to halt the violence and create space for peaceful solutions.

The pope warned that continued escalation could intensify fear and hatred, raising the possibility that the conflict could widen and draw in additional countries, including Lebanon.

He called for stronger international efforts to stop the fighting and emphasized the importance of promoting dialogue while amplifying the voices of people directly affected by the conflicts.

The pontiff also urged people around the world to pray for peace, expressing hope that the sound of bombs would cease, weapons would fall silent, and dialogue would prevail as the path toward alleviating civilian suffering and restoring stability in the region.