Pope prays for end to Middle East bombings as conflict hits 9 days

Pope Leo XIV prayed for an end to bombings in the Middle East during Sunday's Angelus prayer, expressing deep dismay over the ninth-day conflict triggered by US-Israeli air strikes on Iran. The Pope warned the war could spread to Lebanon and other regional countries, urging dialogue to prevent further instability. He specifically called for weapons to fall silent and for 'the voices of the peoples to be heard' amid widespread fear and hatred. The conflict has already targeted Gulf nations including Kuwait and Bahrain, with Iran preparing to reveal its new supreme leader following the strikes. US President Trump has refused to rule out ground troops in Iran while insisting the war is progressing 'speedily'. The Pope's appeal comes as Tehran choked under thick smoke from destroyed fuel dumps, highlighting the escalating humanitarian crisis.

SOURCE: https://www.channelstv.com/2026/03/08/pope-prays-roar-of-the-bombs-in-middle-east-will-cease/