Pope Leo XIV issued a stark warning on Sunday, cautioning that the joint U.S.-Israel airstrikes on Iran could drive the Middle East into an “irreparable abyss.” He urged world leaders to step back from the brink and prevent further violence.

Addressing followers during the Angelus prayer, the pope voiced “deep concern” over the escalating tensions and encouraged nations to prioritize dialogue over military action.

“Peace and stability cannot be achieved through threats or weapons, which only bring destruction, suffering, and death,” the pope stated, as reported by Vatican News. “True peace comes from genuine, responsible dialogue.”

During the Angelus prayer from the Apostolic Palace’s window at the Vatican on March 1, 2026, Pope Leo XIV warned of the dangers of escalating violence in the Middle East, describing the situation as potentially leading to an “irreparable abyss.” (REUTERS/Guglielmo Mangiapane)

He further implored, “In the face of a possible tragedy of immense scale, I earnestly appeal to all parties to embrace their moral duty and halt the cycle of violence before it spirals into an irreparable abyss!”

The pontiff’s cautionary remarks followed a joint military operation by Israel and the United States against Iran on Saturday, called “Operation Epic Fury.” Reports indicate the strikes resulted in the deaths of multiple senior officials, including Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who had led the nation for over thirty years.

 Meanwhile, Iranian airstrikes killed at least eight Israelis on Sunday as Tehran’s latest missile barrage landed miles from Jerusalem.

The pope reinforced his warning in a two-part message posted Sunday morning on X.

TEHRAN, IRAN – FEBRUARY 28: Smoke rises over the city center after an Israeli army launches 2nd wave of airstrikes on Iran on February 28, 2026. (Photo by Fatemeh Bahrami/Anadolu via Getty Images) (Fatemeh Bahrami/Anadolu via Getty Images)

“I am following with deep concern what is happening in the Middle East and in Iran during this tumultuous time,” he wrote.

“Stability and peace are not achieved through mutual threats, nor through the use of weapons, which sow destruction, suffering, and death, but only through reasonable, sincere and responsible dialogue.”

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed in the strikes.  (Iranian Leader Press Office/Anadolu via Getty Images)

In a follow-up post, he warned of “the possibility of a tragedy of immense proportions” and urged all parties involved to “assume the moral responsibility of halting the spiral of violence before it becomes an unbridgeable chasm.”

“May diplomacy regain its proper role, and may the well-being of peoples, who yearn for peaceful existence founded on justice, be upheld. And let us continue to pray for peace,” he added.

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