By Joshua McElwee VATICAN CITY, March 24 (Reuters) - Pope Leo expressed concern on Tuesday about a rising tenor of animosity in the expanding Iran war, repeating calls for a ceasefire amid reports the
Pope Leo Voices Concern Over Escalating Iran War, Renews Ceasefire Appeal
Pope Leo's Response to the Iran War Crisis
By Joshua McElwee
Concerns Over Rising Animosity
VATICAN CITY, March 24 (Reuters) - Pope Leo expressed concern on Tuesday about a rising tenor of animosity in the expanding Iran war, repeating calls for a ceasefire amid reports the U.S. is planning to send thousands of soldiers to the Middle East in a military buildup.
Pope Leo's Lament on Increasing Hatred
Leo, the first U.S. pope, lamented that "hatred is increasing, and the violence is getting worse and worse."
Renewed Appeal for Ceasefire and Dialogue
"I want to renew the appeal for a ceasefire, to work for peace, but not with weapons - rather through dialogue, truly seeking a solution for everyone," he told journalists as he was leaving his residence in Castel Gandolfo, Italy.
Impact on Civilians and Call to Authorities
"There are more than a million displaced people and many dead," said the pope. "I invite all the authorities to truly work through dialogue to resolve the problems."
Pope Leo's Recent Efforts for Peace
Leo, who is known for choosing his words carefully, has been ramping up calls for an end to the Iran war in recent days. On Sunday, he said the conflict was a "scandal to the whole human family."
(Reporting by Joshua McElwee; Editing by Chris Reese)
