Pope Leo XIV urged an immediate ceasefire during his Sunday prayer, condemning weeks of "atrocious" violence after U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran on Feb. 28. The conflict, labeled "Operation Epic Fury," has spread to Lebanon and pushed the reported death toll above 2,000, including at least 13 U.S. service members. The pope called for dialogue and criticized leaders who promote escalation, while Cardinal Blase J. Cupich denounced a White House montage he said glorified the fighting.
Pope Leo XIV Urges Immediate Ceasefire After U.S. and Israeli Strikes, Condemns 'Atrocious' Violence
Pope Leo XIV leads the Angelus prayer from the window of the Apostolic Palace at the Vatican, March 1, 2026. / Guglielmo Mangiapane / REUTERS
Pope Leo XIV renewed his appeal for an immediate ceasefire during his Sunday prayer service, lamenting weeks of what he called "atrocious violence" across the Middle East and urging renewed dialogue to spare civilians further suffering.
Ceasefire Plea and Call for Dialogue
"On behalf of the Christians of the [Middle East], and of all women and men of good will, I appeal to those responsible for this conflict: cease fire!
May paths of dialogue be reopened! Violence can never lead to the justice, stability and peace for which the peoples are waiting."
The 70-year-old, Chicago-born pontiff said he was deeply concerned for those killed and displaced by the fighting and reiterated his solidarity with the Lebanese people. "I hope for paths of dialogue that can support the country’s authorities in implementing lasting solutions to the serious crisis underway, for the common good of all the Lebanese people," he said.
Pope Leo XIV calls on the U.S. and Israel to reach a ceasefire in an X post. / Pope Leo XIV/X
Scope of the Fighting
Officials say the conflict intensified after the U.S. and Israel launched strikes on Iran on Feb. 28 in an operation the U.S. has called "Operation Epic Fury." The strikes and subsequent military activity have spread across the region, including into Lebanon, and have contributed to a rapidly rising death toll.
Authorities report that fatalities across affected countries have topped 2,000 since the operation began, with many of the dead in Iran and Lebanon. At least 13 U.S. service members have been reported killed in the course of the operations.
A fire is seen in a damaged building after an Israeli airstrike in Beirut's southern suburb neighborhood of Haret Hreik on March 2, 2026. / - / AFP via Getty Images
Criticism of Leaders and U.S. Policy
Pope Leo has repeatedly criticized what he describes as a "zeal for war" and has faulted leaders who seem eager to escalate conflicts. In a separate address he asked:
"Do those Christians who bear grave responsibility in armed conflicts have the humility and courage to make a serious examination of conscience and to go to confession?"
Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, the archbishop of Chicago, also condemned elements of the U.S. response. He accused the White House of presenting the deaths of service members and civilians in a manner he described as treating war "like it's a video game" after officials posted a montage that Cupich called inappropriate and glorifying of violence.
Cardinal Blase J. Cupich also slammed the Trump administration. / Anadolu via Getty Images
The Daily Beast said it reached out to the White House for comment.
Humanitarian Concerns
Both the pope and other Catholic leaders emphasized the humanitarian toll of the fighting, urging restraint, accountability and renewed diplomatic efforts to protect civilians and to seek durable, peaceful solutions.
Help us improve.
