At the conclusion of his General Audience on Wednesday, 8 April, Pope Leo turned his thoughts to the weeks of tension that have been escalating in the Middle East. In light of the announcement of a two-week ceasefire on the evening of 7 April, the Pope said he welcomed the news “with satisfaction and as a sign of deep hope”. 

Addressing the faithful gathered in St Peter’s Square, the Pope emphasized that “only through a return to the negotiating table can we bring the war to an end”. He went on to urge those gathered to accompany this time of delicate diplomatic work with prayer, “in the hope that a willingness to engage in dialogue may become the means to resolve other situations of conflict throughout the world”.

Finally, the Pope reminded the faithful that on 11 April a Prayer Vigil for Peace will be celebrated in St Peter’s Basilica, and that everyone, both in person or following from home, is invited to join. The Vigil will take place at 6 p.m. Rome time and will be presided over by the Holy Father.

Iran, the United States, and Israel said they reached a deal for a two-week ceasefire in the war that is ravaging the Middle East. On Tuesday evening, U.S. President Donald Trump pulled back from his threats to destroy Iranian “civilization.” 

In a statement released on Wednesday morning, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that while it supports Trump’s decision to suspend strikes against Iran for two weeks, the ceasefire will not include Lebanon, where more than 1,500 have been killed.