Iran: CAFOD supports Pope’s appeal for peace through dialogue

Following the events in Iran, Israel, and the Gulf and Middle East regions over the weekend, CAFOD has issued the following response.

As part of the Caritas Internationalis network of humanitarian aid organisations around the world, CAFOD Director Christine Allen said:

“This weekend’s events in Iran, Israel, and the Gulf and Middle East are very worrying. A series of violent acts across borders has increased tension and instability in the region, and jeopardised prospects of peace at a critical moment.”

In yesterday’s Angelus message in Rome, Pope Leo XIV appealed powerfully for stability and peace, which can only be achieved through reasonable, sincere dialogue. Speaking directly to all parties involved, Pope Leo said:

“Faced with the possibility of a tragedy of immense proportions, I make a heartfelt appeal to all the parties involved to assume the moral responsibility of halting the spiral of violence before it becomes an unbridgeable chasm.

“May diplomacy regain its proper role, and may the well-being of peoples, who yearn for peaceful existence founded on justice, be upheld. And let us continue to pray for peace.”

CAFOD echoes this urgent appeal from the Vatican.

Christine Allen continues:

“Our concern is for the millions of innocent people caught up in this new conflict. CAFOD joins our Caritas partners all around the world, in urging all parties to heed Pope Leo’s advice to step back from the brink before it’s too late, refrain from further military action, and uphold their shared obligation and moral duty to protect civilians.

“Urgent restraint and a renewed commitment to diplomacy is needed to prevent any further loss of life.”

Justice, restraint and the sanctity of human life should guide every decision by national leaders.

We urge swift action from international leaders, to prevent any further loss of innocent life and to ensure a genuine path toward peace.