Vatican, June 25 (UNI) Pope Leo XIV has urged the warring sides in the Israel-Iran war to "reject the logic of bullying and revenge" and choose a path of dialogue and diplomacy to reach peace.
Speaking at his weekly general audience today, the American pontiff said he was following "with attention and hope" recent developments in the war.
He cited the biblical exhortation: "A nation shall not raise the sword against another nation."
"May this voice coming from above be heard. May the wounds from the bloody events of the last days be healed. May all logic of self-will and revenge be rejected. May the path of dialogue, diplomacy and peace be firmly chosen," the pontiff said.
On the night of June 13, Israel launched air strikes against Iran, accusing it of implementing a secret military nuclear programme.
The two sides exchanged ballistic missile attacks for 12 days, which were joined by the United States, conducting a one-time attack on Iran's nuclear facilities on the night of June 22. In retaliation, on June 23, Tehran launched missile strikes on the US Al-Udeid base in Qatar, stating that the Iranian side did not intend to escalate further.
US President Donald Trump said yesterday that Israel and Iran have agreed to conclude a truce.
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