During the Jan. 11 Angelus address, Pope Leo XIV expressed concern for those suffering from violent conflicts in Ukraine, Syria, and Iran and said he is praying for peace in those regions.
“My thoughts turn to the situation currently unfolding in the Middle East, especially in Iran and Syria, where ongoing tensions continue to claim many lives,” the Pontiff said, after leading the Angelus prayer. “I hope and pray that dialogue and peace may be patiently nurtured in pursuit of the common good of the whole of society.”
CatholicVote previously reported that on Jan. 8 Iran reportedly had a near-total nationwide internet blackout “as authorities moved to contain widespread protests fueled by economic collapse and anger at the Islamic Republic.” The same day, President Donald Trump reiterated his warning that the U.S. could strike Iran if Iran began killing civilians who are protesting.
According to Politico, “Reports on [Jan. 11] indicated hundreds of Iranians have died during the current unrest, though information is limited.” Politico and the Wall Street Journal report that Trump is set to be briefed Jan. 13 on a range of options for intervention in Iran.
Politico also reports that the options “would range from targeted strikes inside Iran to offensive cyber attacks, one official granted anonymity to discuss ongoing conversations said, adding that the administration would want to avoid options that create massive civilian impact so things that can be tailored to targeting Iran’s military forces are preferable.”
CatholicVote reported Jan. 8 that Christians in Aleppo, Syria, were also in grave danger as violent clashes between the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) and government troops loyal to Damascus worsened in the city. AP News reported that on Jan. 7, shelling and clashes in various areas of the city killed at least 12 people and wounded dozens more. The New York Times reported that fighters with the SDF retreated Jan. 11 as the government military took over the two Aleppo neighborhoods controlled by the SDF, bringing a new moment of calm to the city.
Earlier in the weekend, the U.S. “conducted large-scale strikes against multiple ISIS targets across Syria,” the U.S. Central Command (USCC) announced on X. The Jan. 10 strikes were part of a retaliatory strike operation launched Dec. 19, 2025, just days after a deadly attack in Palmyra, Syria, carried out by an ISIS terrorist that killed two U.S. soldiers and one U.S. civilian interpreter, according to the USCC. CNN reports that three Iowa National Guard members were also injured.
The USCC stated in the X post: “The strikes today targeted ISIS throughout Syria as part of our ongoing commitment to root out Islamic terrorism against our warfighters, prevent future attacks, and protect American and partner forces in the region. U.S. and coalition forces remain resolute in pursuing terrorists who seek to harm the United States.”
During the Angelus address, Pope Leo also expressed concern for Ukraine, stating that “new attacks – particularly severe ones aimed at energy infrastructure as the cold weather grows harsher – are taking a heavy toll on the civilian population.”
“I pray for those who suffer and renew my appeal for an end to the violence and for renewed efforts to achieve peace,” he said.
Before leading the Angelus prayer, Pope Leo offered a reflection on the feast of the Baptism of the Lord, celebrated by the Church Jan. 11.
He emphasized that Christ’s baptism in the Jordan underscores God’s desire to offer eternal life to humanity and to draw close to each and every person.
“Dear friends, God does not look upon the world from afar, unconcerned with our lives, our troubles or our expectations! Instead, he comes among us with the wisdom of his Word made flesh, drawing us into a wondrous plan of love for all humanity,” Pope Leo said.
Jesus “allows himself to be baptized like a sinner, to reveal God’s infinite mercy,” he later continued. “The Only-Begotten Son, in whom we are brothers and sisters, comes to serve rather than dominate, to save rather than condemn. He is Christ the Redeemer. He takes upon himself what is ours, including our sin, and gives us what is his: the grace of new and eternal life.”
This feast day is an opportunity to reflect on receiving the gift of the sacrament of Baptism, the Pontiff said.
“How beautiful it is to celebrate the love of God – who calls us by name and frees us from evil – as one family! This first of the sacraments is a sacred sign that accompanies us forever,” he said. “In moments of darkness, Baptism is light; in life’s conflicts, it is reconciliation; at the hour of death, it is the gateway to heaven.
“Let us pray together, asking the Virgin Mary to sustain our faith and the mission of the Church each day.”
The Pontiff also noted that earlier in the day, he had baptized 20 children of Vatican employees. He then continued: “I would now like to extend my blessing to all children who have received or will receive Baptism during these days — in Rome and throughout the world — entrusting them to the maternal care of the Virgin Mary.”
“In a particular way, I pray for children born into difficult circumstances, whether due to health conditions or external dangers,” he said. “May the grace of Baptism, which unites them to the Paschal Mystery of Christ, bear fruit in their lives and in the lives of their families.”