Pope Leo XIV has called for the United States and Iran to return to talks to end the war.
He said the issue is not whether or not the regime in Iran should change, but "the issue should be how to promote the values that we believe in, without the deaths of so many innocent people."
“As a spiritual shepherd, I cannot be in favor of war,” he told reporters aboard his plane. “I would like to encourage everyone to find answers that come from a culture of peace and not from hatred and division.”
Asked if he condemns the recent executions in Iran, Leoni said he condemns "all unjust actions" and included the death penalty in this stance.
“I condemn the taking of human life. I condemn the death penalty. I believe that human life must be respected and that all human beings, from conception to natural death, must be respected and protected.”
