In his April 8 General Audience, Pope Leo welcomed the announcement of the United States’ two-week ceasefire with Iran, calling it a sign of deep hope.
“Following these past few hours of great tension in the Middle East and throughout the world, I welcome with satisfaction, and as a sign of deep hope, the announcement of an immediate two-week ceasefire. Only by returning to the negotiating table can we bring the war to an end,” the Pope said. “I urge you to accompany this time of delicate diplomatic work with prayer, in the hope that a willingness to engage in dialogue may become the means to resolve other situations of conflict in the world,” he continued.
Pope Leo reiterated his invitation for everyone to join him in the Prayer Vigil for Peace at St. Peter's Basilica. The Holy Father will preside over the vigil, which will be held at 6 p.m.
The remarks followed President Trump’s April 7 announcement that he would cease all strikes against Iran for two weeks, as Zeale previously reported. Trump had previously threatened that "a whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again" if the country did not meet his 8 p.m. deadline for a deal.
When reporters asked Pope Leo about Trump’s threat to Iran, he responded that “it was truly unacceptable.”