As violence escalates between Iran and Israel, Catholic leaders in both countries are praying for peace. Cardinal Dominique Mathieu of the Archdiocese of Tehran-Isfahan, Iran, and Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, have called for an end to the conflict, which has already resulted in over 200 Iranian and 24 Israeli deaths. The conflict began when Israel launched airstrikes on Iranian military and nuclear facilities, prompting Iran to retaliate with hundreds of ballistic missiles.
Cardinal Mathieu stated that “we sadly see… once again that peace is being sought through preemptive attacks rather than through dialogue at the negotiating table.” He prayed that “peace, the fruit of dialogue and consensus, may prevail” and asked the Holy Spirit to guide the process. The Jerusalem Patriarchate posted a prayer “for a just peace” on its social media account, asking God to “teach us to be agents of peace” and “sow in us the seeds of reconciliation.”
Pope Leo XIV has also addressed the escalating violence, calling for “responsibility and reason” in the conflict. He emphasized the need for respectful encounters and sincere dialogue to build a safer world, free from nuclear threats. The Pope stated that it is the duty of all countries to seek paths to reconciliation and promote solutions based on justice, fraternity, and the common good.
The Israeli attack has complicated ongoing talks between the United States and Iran aimed at avoiding armed conflict. A meeting between U.S. and Iranian representatives, scheduled to take place in Oman, was canceled following the attack. The situation remains tense, and the prayers of Catholic leaders and people around the world are being raised for peace and an end to the violence.