TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The United States' decision to meddle in the Israel-Iran conflict by striking three key Iranian nuclear facilities in Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan on Saturday, June 21, has sparked global outcry. Pope Leo XIV, the spiritual leader of the Catholic Church, issued a powerful statement on Sunday, calling for an immediate end to the war and urging peace in the Middle East.
"We must stop the tragedy of war before it becomes an irreparable abyss," he declared, as quoted by Turkey's Anadolu Agency.
A Plea for Peace
The Pope further explained that war does not solve problems; rather, it amplifies them and inflicts deep wounds on the history of peoples, wounds that will take generations to heal. He warned that if violence continues, it could lead to a point of no return.
"Today, more than ever, humanity cries out and pleads for peace," he said. He called for this plea to be met with responsibility and reason, rather than being drowned out by the roar of weapons and rhetoric inciting conflict.
Humanitarian Toll and Risk of Wider Conflict
The Pontiff cautioned that the suffering of civilians, particularly in Gaza and other warn-torn zones, risks being forgotten amid the escalation. The US strikes on Iran's nuclear sites, followed by Tehran's retaliatory missile attacks on Israeli cities, have claimed civilian lives.
Donald Trump's involvement in the Israel-Iran conflict has further inflamed tensions in the Middle East. Pope Leo cautioned that unchecked violence risks irreversible consequences. "There are no distant wars when human dignity is at stake," he said.
He emphasized that no military victory can outweigh the pain of grieving mothers, the fear in children, and the stolen futures of youth. "Let diplomacy silence the weapons," he urged. "Let nations chart their future through acts of peace, not violence and bloody conflict," he added, as quoted by Vatican News.
Pope Leo XIV appealed to the international community to recognize its moral duty to act decisively in addressing the crisis. "Everyone is called to respond. Especially those with responsibilities to prevent humanity from walking a path with no return."
Savero Aristia Wienanto and Sita Planasari contributed to the writing of this article.
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