Pope Leo XIV calls for resumption of Middle East peace talks

Pope Leo XIV has launched a new appeal for the resumption of negotiations to achieve lasting peace in the Middle East, expressing his concern over the escalation of violence in the West Bank, the Gaza Strip and the entire region, AFP reports. After the Angelus prayer, the Sovereign Pontiff said he was following with concern the worsening of the conflict in the Holy Land, stressing that many civilians were among the recent victims. "I am following with concern the persistence and worsening of violence in the Holy Land, of which many victims have also been civilians in recent times, in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip," Pope Leo XIV said. He launched an urgent appeal for the resumption of political dialogue. "I am launching an urgent appeal to return to the negotiating table for a fair political solution, based on equal dignity and the equal rights of every human person,” the Pontiff said.

• Concern over the escalation of the conflict in the region

Pope Leo XIV extended his appeal to the entire Middle East region, warning that the intensification of military operations is fueling violence and worsening the humanitarian situation. According to him, the escalation of the conflict is endangering the lives of civilians and is worsening the lack of drinking water and electricity in the affected areas.

• Call for an end to attacks and a resumption of dialogue

In conclusion, the Pontiff called on all parties involved to stop military actions and resume diplomatic dialogue as quickly as possible. "From the bottom of my heart, I urge all parties concerned to suspend the attacks and to urgently reopen the paths of dialogue and diplomacy, in order to reach as quickly as possible the peace so desired by the entire region,” Pope Leo XIV said.