Pope Leo XIV has received Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, apostolic nuncio in the United States, in a meeting that takes place amid growing international tension and following several calls from the Pontiff to avoid a military escalation in the Middle East.
The audience takes place after Leo XIV has publicly intervened in recent hours both to call for an end to the conflict and to positively assess the announcement of a temporary truce, in a scenario marked by the threat of an intensification of the war.
Leo XIV called for «always seeking peace and not violence»
In his recent statements, the Pope had urged “always seeking peace and not violence”, describing the threat directed against the Iranian people as unacceptable and recalling the suffering of the innocent victims of the conflict.
Subsequently, during the general audience on Wednesday, the Pontiff welcomed with satisfaction the announcement of an immediate two-week truce, which he defined as a sign of hope amid international tension.
At the same time, he emphasized that only a return to negotiation can lead to the end of the war, and urged accompanying this moment with prayer, inviting the faithful to participate in a peace vigil in St. Peter’s Basilica.
Vatican diplomacy at a time of global tension
The meeting between Leo XIV and his new representative in the United States reflects the Pope’s interest in the need to resume the path of dialogue in the face of the logic of conflict, warning of the human, economic, and social consequences of a prolonged war, and appealing to both political leaders and the responsibility of the faithful to work for peace.