At the Weekly General Audience on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, Pope Leo XIV welcomed the peace agreement reached between the United States and Iran and expressed hope for an end to the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. The Holy Father urged world leaders to embrace dialogue and cooperation in promoting peace and the common good.
Addressing the faithful, Pope Leo praised the diplomatic efforts that led to the agreement between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran, which is expected to be formally signed on Friday. The agreement comes after months of tensions and negotiations aimed at fostering peace, security, and mutual trust in the region.
“I welcome with satisfaction the reaching of an agreement between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America, which will be signed on Friday, as an encouraging result of the patient work of dialogue and negotiation,” the Pope said.
He also expressed gratitude to the third-party countries that facilitated the peace process and contributed to the successful negotiations. “I hope that this agreement may help strengthen mutual trust, security, and stability in the Middle East, promoting paths of dialogue and cooperation among peoples,” he added.
Turning his attention to the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, Pope Leo XIV lamented the devastating human and cultural losses caused by the war.
“There are many innocent victims, rescuers killed, churches and places of cultural heritage devastated by flames. I am close to all those who mourn their loved ones, to the wounded, and to those who, amid violence, continue courageously to save lives,” he said.
The Holy Father renewed his appeal for peace and called on the faithful to pray for an end to the conflict. “I invite everyone to pray that this war may end. Let us ask the Lord to open paths of dialogue, to extinguish hatred, and to make a just and lasting peace possible,” Pope Leo urged.
Concluding his address, the Pope reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to promoting peace through dialogue, reconciliation, and solidarity among nations.
Anita Aryeh
DEPSOCOM, Accra
