Pope calls for halt to actions 'that might fuel a spiral of violence' in Middle East

By Zeynep Cetin

ISTANBUL (AA) - Pope Francis on Sunday said he is watching the developments in the Middle East with concern and pain.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched a barrage of drones and missiles at Israel late on Saturday, in response to the April 1 attack on the Iranian consulate in Damascus that killed several Iranian commanders.

"I make a heartfelt appeal to halt any action that might fuel a spiral of violence, with the risk of dragging the Middle East into an even greater military conflict," Pope Francis said on X.

Saying that no-one should threaten the existence of others, Pope Francis added: "May all the nations instead take the side of peace, and help Israelis and Palestinians live in two States, side by side, in safety. It is their deep and legitimate desire, and it is their right! Two neighboring States."

"Let there be a cease-fire in Gaza soon, and let us pursue the paths of negotiation, with determination. Let us help that population, plunged into a humanitarian catastrophe; let the hostages kidnapped months ago be released! So much suffering! Let us pray for peace," he said.

"No more war, no more attacks, no more violence! Yes to dialogue and yes to peace! Let us pray together for peace."