Pope Leo decries 'atrocious violence' in Iran war, urges ceasefire

AI Summary

Pope Leo, identified as the first U.S. pope, issued an urgent call for an immediate ceasefire in the ongoing Iran war during its third week, condemning the 'atrocious violence' killing thousands of civilians. The Vatican appeal highlights growing international concern over the expanding U.S.-Israeli military operation against Iran. The Pope warned that violence would not deliver the justice and stability sought by the region's peoples.

VATICAN CITY, March 15 (Reuters) - Pope Leo made an impassioned plea on Sunday for an immediate ceasefire in the expanding Iran war, lamenting "atrocious violence" that he said had killed thousands of non-combatants and caused suffering across the region. As the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran enters its third week, the first U.S. pope warned that violence would not bring the justice, stability and peace that the peoples of the region long for.