The story

Pope Leo XIV on July 26 appealed for parties across the Middle East to suspend attacks and reopen diplomatic negotiations, warning that escalating military operations were endangering civilians and worsening shortages of drinking water and electricity. Speaking after leading the Angelus from the Apostolic Palace in Castel Gandolfo, the Pope said he continued to follow with deep concern the ongoing violence in the Holy Land, where many civilians in the West Bank and Gaza have fallen victim in recent days.

His remarks followed a July 24 shooting in Tell, southwest of Nablus, that reportedly killed at least four Palestinians and two Israeli soldiers, followed by attacks by Israeli settlers against Palestinian communities. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz subsequently announced that military operations would be intensified in areas Israel considers centers of terrorism. The Associated Press reported late July 25 that the U.S. military has paused airstrikes on Iran after nearly two weeks of intensifying bombing, while diplomatic efforts have pushed forward to try to avert a return to all-out war.

Pope Leo made a heartfelt appeal for a return to negotiations to achieve a just political solution, founded on the equal dignity and equal rights of every human person. He urged the rejection of further military actions and unilateral decisions, especially those that violate the respect for and status quo of the holy places of every religion. The Pope invited the faithful to continue praying for people suffering because of war and asked that the Lord touch hearts and enlighten the minds of those in positions of responsibility.