Pope Leo XIV Welcomes U.S.-Iran Peace Agreement, Calls for Ukraine Peace Talks

Pope Leo XIV has again welcomed the reported peace memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the United States and Iran, describing it as an encouraging outcome of dialogue and negotiations.

Speaking during his weekly general audience at the Vatican on Tuesday, the Pope thanked everyone involved in facilitating the agreement and expressed hope that it would encourage greater dialogue and cooperation between the two nations. He said he hopes the agreement will strengthen mutual trust, security, and stability throughout the Middle East.

Call for Peace in Ukraine

The Pope also addressed the ongoing war in Ukraine, saying painful news continues to emerge from the conflict. He urged the international community to pray for renewed dialogue that could lead to a just and lasting peace.

"Let us pray for the path of dialogue that can make a just and lasting peace possible," Pope Leo XIV said.

He added that his prayers remain with those mourning loved ones, the wounded, and civilians who continue to endure violence.

Pope Voiced Criticism of Military Conflicts Involving Iran

The Pope had already welcomed the reported U.S.-Iran agreement during remarks to journalists a day earlier, thanking God for the development while acknowledging that several issues still remain unresolved. He stressed that negotiations and diplomacy are always preferable to a return to war.

Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born pope in history, has previously voiced criticism of military conflict involving Iran, arguing that lasting peace cannot be achieved through military action and urging leaders to pursue peaceful solutions through dialogue.