Tehran- IRAF- amid the ongoing U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran, the leader of the world’s Catholics warned during the Angelus prayer in St. Peter’s Square that the conflict is spreading fear and hatred, and there are concerns it could spill over into other countries, including Lebanon.
Pope Leo said: “Alongside the violence, destruction, and the widespread atmosphere of hatred and fear, there is also growing concern that the conflict could expand and that other countries in the region, including beloved Lebanon, could once again fall into instability.”
He added: “Let us raise our humble prayer to God so that the roar of bombs may cease, weapons may fall silent, and space may open for dialogue in which the voices of the people can be heard.”
Earlier, the Vatican’s senior diplomat had issued an unusually direct criticism of the military campaign on Wednesday, warning that U.S. and Israeli attacks undermine international law and that countries do not have the right to launch preventive wars.
For nine days, U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran have reportedly resulted in the deaths of many citizens, and civilian areas have also been affected by the strikes.
