Pope Leo XIV Urges U.S. and Iran to Resume Peace Talks Amid Escalating Tensions

During a press conference aboard his return flight from Africa, Pope Leo XIV expressed concern over the stalled diplomatic efforts between the United States and Iran, urging both nations to return to peace talks. He highlighted the suffering of innocent civilians due to the ongoing conflict and emphasized the importance of dialogue over violence.

The Pope also condemned capital punishment, advocating for a "culture of peace" and the upholding of human life. Addressing the issue of migration, he acknowledged the rights of nations to control their borders but insisted that migrants should be treated with dignity and not "worse than animals."

Reflecting on his recent tour of Algeria, Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea, Pope Leo noted his preference for pastoral diplomacy over vocal criticism, believing that the Vatican's quieter diplomatic efforts can often yield more meaningful change.