Pope Leo on Wednesday lamented the growing number of civilian casualties in the ongoing war involving Iran and expressed solidarity with the people of Lebanon, describing the country as facing a “great trial” amid continued Israeli strikes.
Speaking during his weekly general audience in St. Peter’s Square, the pontiff urged pilgrims and Catholics around the world to pray for peace as the conflict entered its 12th day. He warned that the expanding violence across the Middle East risks spiraling further out of control.
“Let us continue to pray for peace in Iran, and throughout the Middle East, especially for the many civilian victims, including many innocent children,” Pope Leo said.
The pope did not refer to any specific incident involving children. However, reports have emerged about an attack on a girls’ school in the southern Iranian city of Minab on February 28, during the first day of coordinated U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran.
Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva, Ali Bahreini, said the strike killed 150 students. Reuters was unable to independently verify the death toll, and the U.S. military said it is investigating the incident.
Pope Leo also expressed sorrow over the death of Rev. Pierre El Rahi, a priest who was killed on Monday during strikes in southern Lebanon. Israel has been targeting the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah, which has launched attacks into Israel from Lebanese territory in support of Iran.
The pontiff described El Rahi as a “true shepherd” who died while attempting to assist parishioners injured in a strike.
Pope Leo visited Lebanon in December during his first overseas trip since becoming pope, a visit that underscored the Vatican’s concern for stability and humanitarian conditions in the region.
The conflict has heightened fears of a wider regional escalation, with religious and political leaders increasingly calling for restraint and a return to diplomacy.