Pope Leo appealed on Sunday (June 22) to the international community to stop the war in the Middle East "before it becomes an irreparable abyss."
During the traditional weekly prayer from St. Peter's Square, the pontiff referenced "alarming news" coming from Iran, where nuclear sites were struck overnight by U.S. forces as it joined an Israeli assault on the country.
READ: Trump says US 'obliterated' Iran nuclear sites, threatens more
"Today more than ever, humanity cries out and pleads for peace," Leo said from the window of the papal apartments, warning about the risk of forgetting "the daily suffering of the population, especially in Gaza."
The pope then addressed the "moral responsibility" of "every member of the international community," urging that diplomacy silence weapons.
(Production: Matteo Negri)