Pope Leo XIV on Sunday offered prayers for those killed in protests in Iran and amid ongoing conflict in Syria, calling for dialogue and peace during his weekly Angelus prayer at the Vatican.
“My thoughts turn to what is happening these days in the Middle East, particularly in Iran and Syria, where persistent tensions are causing the deaths of many people,” the US pontiff said. “I hope and pray for the patient cultivation of dialogue and peace for the common good of society as a whole.”
The Pope also prayed for the people of Ukraine following what he described as “particularly serious” Russian strikes targeting the country’s energy infrastructure.
“These attacks are hitting the civilian population hard, especially as the cold weather worsens,” said the head of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics. “I pray for those who are suffering and renew my appeal for an end to violence and for intensified efforts to achieve peace.”
Iran has been gripped by widespread anti-government protests since late December 2025, sparked by soaring inflation, economic collapse, and corruption. The demonstrations quickly spread nationwide, with security forces responding forcefully, leading to hundreds of deaths.
In Syria, continued violence and instability have persisted following the fall of the Assad regime in late 2024, with more than 3,600 deaths recorded throughout 2025.
Meanwhile, Ukraine continues to face intensified Russian attacks on its energy infrastructure. Large-scale missile and drone strikes have caused widespread blackouts and prolonged power outages across several regions, compounding civilian hardship as winter continues into 2026.
