Pope urges diplomacy as US-Iran attacks fuel ‘winds of war’

Pope urges diplomacy as US-Iran attacks fuel ‘winds of war’ Pope Leo has called for renewed diplomacy as the latest US-Iran attacks deepen violence across the Middle East. Writing on X, the pope warned that the “winds of war” are “sowing violence, terror and death” in the region, Ukraine and elsewhere. “I renew my hope that we will persevere on the path of dialogue, encounter and diplomacy,” he said. “This is the only path capable of leading to a just and lasting peace, in which peoples can live in reconciliation, mutual security and respect for the dignity of every person.” Unfortunately, the winds of war are blowing once again in the Middle East, in Ukraine and in many other parts of the world, sowing violence, terror and death, and once again affecting many innocent people. Let us not allow these winds to extinguish the flame of hope and peace,… — Pope Leo XIV (@Pontifex) July 12, 2026