Pope Leo XIV Urges End to West Asia Hostilities by Easter, Calls for Dialogue

• Pope Leo XIV expressed hope for an end to the US-Israel war on Iran before Easter, urging leaders to seek an "off-ramp."
• He called for a decrease in violence and bombing to reduce hatred in the Middle East and elsewhere.
• Leo emphasized the importance of dialogue and peace, especially during Holy Week, the holiest time for Christians.
• The Pontiff criticized those who use religion to justify war, citing leaders on all sides of the Iran war and Russia's Orthodox Church.
• Pope Leo XIV will lead several Holy Week traditions, including the foot-washing, Good Friday procession, Easter Vigil, and Easter Sunday Mass.