Lenten campaign 2026
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Regarding the situation in the Middle East, Pope Leo made a "heartfelt appeal" after leading the midday Angelus with the faithful in St. Peter's Square. He urged the leaders to "assume their moral responsibility to stop the spiral of violence before it becomes an irreparable abyss!" And he asked the faithful to continue to pray for peace.
He also mentioned the situation between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
While set already months ago, the Pope's intention for this month of March is a direct answer to the events of the weekend:
The March intention is:
For disarmament and peace.
Let us pray that nations move toward effective disarmament, particularly nuclear disarmament,
and that world leaders choose the path of dialogue and diplomacy instead of violence.
Here is what Pope Leo said after the Angelus.
I am following with deep concern what is happening in the Middle East and Iran at this dramatic time. Stability and peace cannot be built through mutual threats or weapons, which sow destruction, pain and death, but only through reasonable, authentic and responsible dialogue.
Faced with the possibility of a tragedy of enormous proportions, I make a heartfelt appeal to the parties involved to assume their moral responsibility to stop the spiral of violence before it becomes an irreparable abyss! May diplomacy regain its role and promote the good of peoples who yearn for peaceful coexistence based on justice. And let us continue to pray for peace.
In addition, worrying news is coming in these days of clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan. I raise my plea for an urgent return to dialogue. Let us pray together that harmony may prevail in all conflicts throughout the world. Only peace, God's gift, can heal the wounds between peoples.
