Pope Leo XIV denounces use of religion to justify war, calls for peace in Middle East

ROME: Pope Leo XIV has reiterated his call for peace in the Middle East, strongly criticising those who use religion to justify acts of war. Speaking during a pastoral visit to a suburb of Rome on Sunday, the Pope addressed the ongoing conflicts affecting many people worldwide.

"Currently, many of our brothers and sisters in the world are suffering from violent conflicts, caused by the absurd claim that problems and differences can be resolved through war," Pope Leo XIV stated. He further emphasised, "Some claim to involve the name of God in these deadly decisions, but God cannot be enlisted by darkness. It is peace that those who invoke him must seek."

Earlier the same day, the Pope used his weekly Angelus prayer at the Vatican to once again pray for the victims of what he described as the "atrocious violence of war" in the Middle East. He urged for dialogue and the pursuit of peace, highlighting the suffering of those affected by recent attacks.

"I renew my closeness to all those who have lost loved ones in the attacks that have hit schools, hospitals, and residential areas," the 70-year-old pontiff said.

Pope Leo XIV's remarks come amid ongoing violence in the Middle East, where civilian areas such as schools and hospitals have been targeted. His statements reflect a continued concern for the humanitarian impact of these conflicts and a call for all parties to seek peaceful solutions rather than resorting to violence in the name of religion.

The Pope's message underscores the Vatican's ongoing advocacy for peace and dialogue, particularly in regions experiencing intense conflict. His comments were made both during his visit to the Rome suburb and during his public address at the Vatican, reinforcing his consistent stance against the use of religion as a justification for war.