Pope Leo XIV, Angelus, St Peter’s Square, Sunday, 15 March 2026 –
Dear brothers and sisters,
For two weeks now, the peoples of the Middle East have been suffering the horrific violence of war. Thousands of innocent people have been killed, and countless others have been forced to flee their homes. I renew my prayerful closeness to all who have lost loved ones in the attacks, which have struck schools, hospitals and residential areas.
The situation in Lebanon is a cause for great concern. I hope that avenues for dialogue will emerge to support the country’s Authorities in implementing lasting solutions to the serious crisis currently unfolding, for the common good of all the Lebanese people.
On behalf of the Christians of the Middle East, and of all women and men of good will, I appeal to those responsible for this conflict: cease fire! May paths of dialogue be reopened! Violence can never lead to the justice, stability and peace for which the peoples are waiting.
I welcome all of you gathered here today in Saint Peter’s Square.
I greet the faithful who have come from Valencia and Barcelona in Spain, as well as those from Palermo.
With joy, I welcome several groups of young people preparing to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation: from Berceto, Diocese of Parma; from Tuto, Diocese of Florence; from Torre Maina and Gorzano, Diocese of Modena-Nonantola. I also greet the young people from the parish of Saint Gregory the Great in Rome, and from Capriano del Colle and Azzano Mella, Diocese of Brescia.
I wish all of you a happy Sunday.
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