Middle East crisis: COMECE urges UN to relaunch diplomacy

Mgr Mariano Crociata

Source: COMECE

COMECE President Mgr Crociata expresses concern over Middle East escalation and calls on the EU to relaunch diplomacy
In a short statement released on Wednesday, 4 March 2026, the President of the Commission of the Bishops' Conferences of the European Union (COMECE), HE Mgr Mariano Crociata, expresses deep concern over the recent escalation of violence in Iran and across the Middle East, and calls on the EU and its Member States to promote de-escalation and relaunch diplomatic efforts.

The full statement follows:

Following up on the discussions held today at the COMECE Standing Committee, I would like to express my deepest concern over the recent escalation of violence in Iran and across the Middle East.

My first thoughts go to all the people who bear the heaviest burden, people and communities who have already suffered from longstanding hardship and instability and are now confronted with uncertainty about their future.

The on-going grave crisis marks a further weakening of the rules-based international order and a continued disregard for international law. It is profoundly troubling that recourse to violence once again takes precedence over diplomatic efforts. Moreover, the current situation demonstrates that the logic of retaliation and revenge risks fuelling a spiral of violence, endangering regional and global stability, potentially leading to a tragedy of immense proportions.

Building upon Pope Leo XIV's urgent appeal to halt the spiral of violence, I wish to call on the European Union to stand united and to renew its vocation as a project of peace: promoting de-escalation between all the parties involved, relaunching diplomatic efforts and coherently upholding international law, including in the area of nuclear non-proliferation.

I also encourage the EU to take all necessary measures to ensure the safety and wellbeing of its citizens, those present in the Middle East region, as well as those living on its territory. This also entails addressing the adverse consequences of potential energy supply disruptions.

We pray that weapons be silenced across the Middle East. May a new chapter open up for the people of Iran and the region, allowing them to embark on a path towards a peaceful future marked by respect for human dignity and fundamental human rights.