VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Leo XIV has called on both sides involved in the ongoing Israel-Iran war to "reject the logic of bullying and revenge," urging them to pursue dialogue and diplomacy in order to achieve peace. He expressed his solidarity with all Christians living in the Middle East during his weekly general audience held at St. Peter's Square.

During his speech, the American pope emphasized that he is closely monitoring recent developments in the conflict, which has seen significant military actions over the course of 12 days. He referenced a biblical injunction: "A nation shall not raise the sword against another nation," underscoring the need for peaceful resolution over violent conflict.

The conflict, which entails Israel targeting Iranian nuclear and military installations, has escalated further with U.S. military interventions, including the use of bunker-buster bombs on Iranian nuclear facilities. Despite these tensions, a ceasefire is currently being upheld. Iran insists that its nuclear program is intended for peaceful purposes, contrary to allegations from Israel and its allies.

Pope Leo XIV implored those involved to listen to the "voice that comes from on High" and heal the wounds inflicted by the recent violence. He stated, “Heal the lacerations caused by the bloody actions of recent days, reject all logic of bullying and revenge, and resolutely take the path of dialogue, diplomacy, and peace.”

In addition to his remarks on the Israel-Iran conflict, Pope Leo XIV extended his condolences to the victims of the attack on a Greek Orthodox church in Damascus, Syria, which occurred on a recent Sunday. The assault, attributed to a sleeper cell of the Islamic State group, has resulted in the deaths of at least 25 people. The pope called for ongoing international support for Syrian reconciliation as the country grapples with the repercussions of prolonged conflict.

In his address, Pope Leo XIV reached out specifically to Christians in the Middle East, stating, "To the Christians in the Middle East, I am near you. All the church is close to you." He highlighted the precarious situation in Syria, where years of instability have left the nation in a fragile state. He urged the international community to maintain a focus on Syria, advocating for continuous support through gestures of solidarity and renewed commitments to peace.

The pope's statements reflect a broader concern for the humanitarian impacts of conflict in the region and the need for a collective effort toward peaceful coexistence among nations and communities. As tensions persist, the call for dialogue rather than revenge remains a critical message in the quest for enduring peace in the Middle East.