Hours after the United States bombed the sites of three nuclear-enrichment facilities in Iran, Pope Leo XIV called the situation in the Middle East “alarming” and said diplomacy was the only responsible way forward.
Iran
US Bombs Iran Nuclear Sites as Pope Leo XIV, Bishops Plead for Peace
The U.S. has attacked three nuclear facilities in Iran, in a move that comes amid repeated pleas from Pope Leo XIV and other church leaders for peace and dialogue in ending multiple conflicts throughout the world, including that between Israel and Iran.
Pope Urges Peace, Warns Against Escalation in Middle East Conflict
As conflict in the Middle East escalated with Israeli airstrikes on nuclear sites in Iran and retaliatory drone attacks on Israel, Pope Leo XIV appealed for restraint and renewed the church’s calls for nuclear disarmament and peaceful dialogue.
Cardinal Dolan Forced to Take Shelter Amid Iranian Attack on Israel
Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York said April 14 he and those he traveled with to the Holy Land “feel safe and secure” in Bethlehem after they were forced to take shelter the night before when Iran launched a missile attack against Israel.
Pope Francis Pleads for Military Restraint in the Middle East
The morning after Iran launched hundreds of drones and missiles at Israel, Pope Francis pleaded with nations to avoid a further escalation of the violence.
Venezuelan Bishop Warns of Iran’s Rising Influence in the Country
According to one Venezuelan bishop, the world should be concerned by the growing military presence of Iran in his country.
American Catholics Welcome Trump’s Readiness to ‘Embrace Peace’
President Donald Trump’s assertion Wednesday that the United States is ready to “embrace peace” was welcomed by American Catholic leaders, who called it a “relief” from mounting tensions with Iran.
Morality of Drone Warfare Questioned After Attack on Iranian General
The tweet early Jan. 3 from Bishop Richard F. Stika of Knoxville, Tennessee, asked for prayers. It wasn’t an unusual request from a church leader. Still, its significance stems from its context and its timing: a few hours after the overnight killing of Iran’s top military leader, Maj. Gen. Qassem Soleimani, in a U.S. drone strike in Baghdad.
After Soleimani Assassination, Pope Warns War ‘Brings Only Death and Destruction’
Days after the assassination of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani by the United States, Pope Francis issued an appeal for peace and calm Jan. 5 amid what he said is an “air of tension” throughout the world.
Youth on a Foreign Mission
From the excitement, glitter, and sophistication of New York City to the slums of Lima, Peru, deep in poverty, dirt, and garbage, Nooshin Nassiri has chosen to live in the latter as a young lay missionary for abandoned children at the Community Cenacolo’s Villa El Salvador Mission House called Help and Hope.