Pope Leo XIV has appealed for an immediate ceasefire in the escalating Middle East conflict as Israel and Iran continue exchanging attacks, with the regional death toll rising.

Speaking on Sunday, March 15, after the Angelus prayer in Vatican City, the pontiff urged those involved in the conflict to halt hostilities.

“On behalf of the Christians of the Middle East and all women and men of good will, I appeal to those responsible for this conflict: cease fire,” he said.

The first American pope noted that people across the region have been enduring what he described as “the horrific violence of war” for the past two weeks since the conflict erupted.

According to him, thousands of innocent civilians have been killed, while many others have been forced to flee their homes.

“I once again offer my prayers to all those who have lost loved ones in the attacks that have struck schools, hospitals and residential areas,” the pontiff said.

He stressed that violence would not deliver the justice, stability, or peace long awaited by people in the region, urging leaders to pursue dialogue and an end to hostilities.