Israel

“Most of all, it is a time for all of us to remain united in prayer for peace. I invite you all to pray the rosary every day for peace …

Pope Leo XIV shared this prayer to St. Francis with Franciscan leaders in early 2026.

The leader of the U.S. Catholic bishops echoed Pope Leo XIV’s call for deescalation and dialogue in the Middle East March 1.

Catholic clergy are calling for prayer and peace following U.S.-Israel strikes on Iran Feb. 28 that killed Iran’s supreme leader and prompted counterattacks.

Pope Leo XIV issued a fervent appeal for return of diplomacy in the Middle East and Iran, condemning use of weapons that cause “destruction, pain, and death.”

Catholics in the Middle East are reeling with shock and sorrow, and responding with prayer, amid joint strikes Israeli and U.S. forces launched on Iran Feb. 28.

Those who espouse Christian Zionism “wound the unity of the faithful and burden the pastoral mission entrusted to the historic churches” in the Holy Land.

Pope Leo spoke to members of the diplomatic corps accredited to the Holy See in the Vatican Apostolic Palace Jan. 9.

Aid organizations whose licenses have been revoked include Doctors Without Borders, Oxfam, CARE and World Vision International.

At a shrine topped by a 28-foot-tall statue of Our Lady of Lebanon, Pope Leo XIV listened to stories of unshakable faith amid war, injustice and suffering.