Pope Leo XIV voiced his concern on Saturday as the conflict between Israel and Iran continued to grow. Armed attacks from both sides carried on for another 24 hours.
As the situation worsened, the Pope urged all leaders to act wisely and calmly. He emphasized the need to stop nuclear threats and focus on peace.
He wrote on X, “The situation in Iran and Israel has deteriorated drastically. I renew my appeal to responsibility and reason. The commitment to build a safer world, free from nuclear threats, must be pursued through mutual respect and sincere dialogue, in order to build lasting peace founded on justice, fraternity, and the common good. No one should ever threaten the existence of another. It is the duty of all countries to support the cause of peace, initiating paths of reconciliation and promoting solutions that ensure security and dignity for all!”
The situation in Iran and Israel has deteriorated drastically. I renew my appeal to responsibility and reason. The commitment to build a safer world, free from nuclear threats, must be pursued through mutual respect and sincere dialogue, in order to build lasting peace founded on…
— Pope Leo XIV (@Pontifex) June 14, 2025
Israel Launches Targeted Strikes in Tehran
Meanwhile, Israel responded forcefully. On Sunday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that it had carried out a large number of airstrikes in Tehran.
According to the IDF, these strikes hit sites connected to Iran’s nuclear weapons efforts. For example, they targeted government buildings and nuclear research centers.
The IDF shared on X, “The IDF completed an extensive series of strikes on targets in Tehran related to the Iranian regime’s nuclear weapons project. The targets included the Iranian Ministry of Defense headquarters, the headquarters of the SPND nuclear project, and additional targets, which advanced the Iranian regime’s efforts to obtain a nuclear weapon and where the Iranian regime hid its nuclear archive.”
⭕️ The IDF completed an extensive series of strikes on targets in Tehran related to the Iranian regime’s nuclear weapons project.
The targets included the Iranian Ministry of Defense headquarters, the headquarters of the SPND nuclear project, and additional targets, which…
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) June 14, 2025
Iran Strikes Back with Missiles
Shortly after the Israeli attack, Iran launched missiles at several Israeli cities. As a result, sirens blared and civilians ran for shelter.
The IDF announced on X, “Millions of Israelis are currently running for shelter as sirens sound,” and listed the affected areas.
🚨Millions of Israelis are currently running for shelter as sirens sound in the following cities and communities around Israel:
Jerusalem, Ashdod, Kfar Ruppin, Maoz Haim, Neve Eitan, Ganey Hugg’, Beit She'an, Hamadia, Ein HaNatziv, Kfar Ruppin, Maoz Haim, Neve Eitan, Sdeh…
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) June 14, 2025
Additionally, the Times of Israel reported that missiles or debris struck some areas in central Israel.
The Crisis Deepens
Clearly, both sides continue to escalate the conflict. On one hand, Israel claims it is trying to stop Iran’s nuclear program. On the other hand, Iran retaliates with force.
Meanwhile, Pope Leo XIV has reminded the world of the need for calm, dialogue, and peace. His message stresses that no nation should threaten another’s existence and that peace must be based on justice and respect.
