Today, Pope Leo made a strong appeal to world leaders to stop what he called the “madness of war”. He sent the message as US and Iranian officials negotiate an end to the six-week conflict.
Speaking at a prayer vigil in St. Peter’s Basilica, the pope condemned the misuse of religion to justify wars. He made a direct appeal to the leaders:
“Stop it! It’s time for peace. Sit at the table of dialogue, not at the table of weapons planning”.
Pope Leo strongly criticized the conflict in Iran. He cited letters from children from war-torn areas testifying to the “horror and inhumanity”.
He also recalled the opposition of the Catholic Church to the invasion of Iraq in 2003. He conveyed the words of Pope John Paul II:
“Enough of the idolatry of money and power. Enough of war”.
He condemned the use of Christian rhetoric to justify the conflict.
“The balance within the human family is seriously disturbed. Even God’s name is used in stories about death,” he said.
His earlier statements are interpreted by some conservative circles as a criticism of US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
The Pope announced a special prayer for peace in his Easter message last Sunday.
(Vijesti.ba)
