Pope welcomes US-Iran truce, urges return to talks
Pope Leo XIV has welcomed a two-week pause in fighting between the United States and Iran, calling it a hopeful sign and urging a return to negotiations to end the war.
Speaking at his general audience in St Peter’s Square, the pontiff said lasting peace could only come through dialogue, not continued fighting.
The pope also invited Catholics to join him for a prayer vigil for peace at St Peter’s Basilica on Saturday, April 11, saying the current moment required prayer as delicate diplomatic efforts continued. He has repeatedly urged world leaders to choose negotiation over war in recent weeks.
His remarks came after Washington and Tehran announced a provisional two-week ceasefire, brokered by Pakistan, under which Iran agreed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and both sides were expected to continue talks in Islamabad. President Donald Trump said he had suspended threatened attacks on Iran as part of the deal.
The truce has been welcomed internationally as a chance to step back from a wider regional war, though its durability remains uncertain amid fresh tensions involving Lebanon and shipping through Hormuz. Global markets initially rallied on the news, while diplomats cautioned that only sustained negotiations could turn the pause into a lasting settlement.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
