Pope Leo XIV has called on the United States and Iran to continue peace talks aimed at ending the ongoing war. Speaking on his return flight to Rome after visiting four African countries, the Catholic leader said the conflict has caused immense suffering among Iran’s civilian population. He urged all parties to make every effort to establish peace, eliminate the threat of war, and uphold international law.

The appeal came shortly after a widely discussed dispute between Pope Leo and U.S. President Donald Trump. The Pope had been vocal in criticizing the U.S.-Israel military operations in Iran, prompting Trump to respond with a lengthy and aggressive social media post. In his remarks, the Pope emphasized that as a clergyman, he cannot support war and called on people to reject hatred and division in favor of a culture of peace.

The comments reflect the Vatican’s continued concern over escalating tensions in the Middle East and its advocacy for dialogue as the path to stability.