VATICAN CITY: Pope Leo on Sunday called the death and suffering in the Middle East war a "scandal to the whole human family," urging an immediate end to hostilities.
The first US-born pope expressed dismay over the escalating conflict, now in its fourth week, as U.S. and Israeli forces engage Iran. He addressed thousands in St. Peter's Square during his weekly Angelus prayer.
"We cannot remain silent in the face of the suffering of so many people, the defenceless victims of these conflicts. What hurts them hurts the whole of humanity," Leo said.
He renewed his appeal for global prayer and diplomacy to halt the violence and open a path to peace.