Pope on Middle East: “What harms them, harms all of humanity”

Vatican, March 23, 2026: Following the Angelus prayer, Pope Leo XIV appealed for an end to violence across the globe, calling on everyone to continue praying, stating that “we cannot remain silent in the face of the suffering of so many people, innocent victims of these conflicts.”

By Kielce Gussie

In spite of rainy conditions in Rome, thousands of pilgrims assembled in St. Peter’s Square to join the Angelus prayer with the Pope.

After the prayer, the Pope voiced his serious concern regarding the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, along with other regions of the world “torn apart by war and violence.” He underlined that “we cannot remain silent in the face of the suffering of so many people, innocent victims of these conflicts.”

He emphasised that the persistent violence affects everyone—“what harms them, harms all of humanity.”

Pope Leo XIV cautioned that the pain, death, and suffering caused by these conflicts “are a scandal to the entire human family and a cry before God.” He further urged people to remain steadfast in prayer so that “hostilities may cease and paths of peace, based on sincere dialogue and respect for the dignity of every human being, may finally open.”

As the Pope made this appeal, reports of increasing casualties in the Middle East continue to surface, with violence now in its 23rd day. More than 1,000 people are believed to have died in Lebanon; at least 160 individuals have been injured in Iranian missile strikes on Israeli towns early Sunday morning; and in the Gulf region, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain have reported several drones and missiles entering their airspace. In Iran, the death toll stands at approximately 1,444, with over 18,000 people injured.

Before giving his Apostolic Blessing, the Pope also greeted the thousands of participants in the Rome Marathon, which was taking place across the city at the same time. Observing the presence of athletes from many nations, he described it as “a sign of hope” and expressed his desire that sport can “create paths of peace, social inclusion, and spirituality.”

Courtesy: Vatican News