Pope Leo XIV has called for peace and dialogue between Iran and Israel amid escalating tensions following reported Israeli strikes and Iranian retaliation. The Pope expressed deep concern over the deteriorating situation and warned against further escalation, emphasizing the need for a world free from nuclear threats. He urged both countries to embrace responsibility and reason, promoting respectful encounters and sincere dialogue to build lasting peace. The Holy See and Cardinal Dominique Joseph Mathieu have also appealed for de-escalation and emphasized the importance of dialogue to prevent a wider conflict.
14 days ago
Pope Leo XIV has urgently appealed for peace and de-escalation amidst the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel 1 2 3 4. Speaking to pilgrims, the Pope expressed "great concern" over the deteriorating situation, urging both nations to exercise "responsibility and reason" 1 2 3. He emphasized that "no one should ever threaten another’s existence," calling on all countries to support peace through reconciliation and solutions that guarantee security and dignity for all 1 2 4.
The Pope's appeal follows a series of escalating events, including Israeli airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites and military bases, followed by retaliatory drone and missile attacks from Iran 1 2 4 5. These attacks have resulted in casualties and heightened fears of a wider regional conflict 4 5. The Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has justified the attacks by alleging that Iran is close to developing a nuclear bomb, a claim Iran denies 2.
A key concern highlighted by the Pope and other religious figures is the threat of nuclear proliferation in the region 1 2 4 5. The Israeli attack on Iran's nuclear enrichment facility at Natanz has intensified these concerns 2. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) had recently passed a resolution declaring Iran in breach of its non-proliferation obligations 2. Pope Leo XIV has called for a world "free from the nuclear threat," emphasizing the need for respectful encounter and sincere dialogue to build lasting peace 1 2 4.
Pope Leo XIV has stressed the importance of dialogue as the path to resolving the conflict, advocating for "respectful encounter and sincere dialogue" 1 2 3 4. Cardinal Dominique Joseph Mathieu, Archbishop of Tehran-Ispahan, echoed this sentiment, urging a commitment to dialogue around the negotiating table instead of pre-emptive military action 5. These calls come as talks between the United States and Iran regarding a possible nuclear agreement have stalled 5.
The Holy See has a long history of maintaining diplomatic relations with both Israel and Iran, and has consistently sought to avoid isolating Iran on the international stage 3. The Apostolic Nuncio remained in Tehran during the 1979 regime change, demonstrating the Church's commitment to presence and dialogue 3. Pope Francis had previously engaged with Iranian leaders, and Cardinal Mathieu's appointment as Iran's first cardinal in December 2024 signifies the Church's ongoing efforts to build bridges and promote interreligious dialogue in the region 3 5.
What are the Catholic Church's teachings on nuclear weapons?
The Catholic Church has consistently opposed nuclear weapons, advocating for disarmament and a world free from them .
Here's a breakdown of the Church's teachings:
Immorality of Possession and Use: The Church, through Pope Francis, considers both the use and the mere possession of nuclear weapons as immoral . The premise that nuclear weapons serve as a deterrent is flawed because it can poison relationships between people and obstructs real dialogue .
Call for Elimination: The Church has long called for the banning and elimination of nuclear weapons . The Holy See has supported international efforts, such as those of the United Nations, to eliminate weapons of mass destruction, particularly nuclear weapons . The Church urges governments to pursue policies that eradicate nuclear weapons, including their own arsenals .
Disarmament as a Goal: The Church's social teaching promotes "general, balanced, and controlled disarmament" . The increase in arms is considered a grave threat to stability and peace .
Moral Reservations about Deterrence: The Church has expressed strong moral reservations regarding nuclear deterrence . The arms race does not ensure peace; instead, it risks aggravating the causes of war . The Church advocates replacing nuclear deterrence policies with concrete disarmament measures achieved through dialogue and multilateral negotiations . While "deterrence" based on balance may be morally acceptable as a step toward progressive disarmament, it is not an end in itself and carries the risk of explosion .
Focus on Dialogue and Trust: Authentic and lasting international peace cannot rely on a balance of military power but on mutual trust . The Church emphasizes the need to break down the climate of distrust that can lead to the dismantling of international arms control .
Waste of Resources: The arms race wastes resources that could be used for the integral development of people and to protect the environment . The money spent on manufacturing, upgrading, maintaining, and selling destructive weapons is an affront, especially when millions live in inhumane conditions .
Importance of International Law: The Church supports the principal international legal instruments of nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation, including the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons .
In summary, the Catholic Church views nuclear weapons as a grave threat to peace and human security, advocating for their complete elimination through disarmament, international cooperation, and the cultivation of mutual trust .