President of US Bishops urges Trump to step back from brink

Baghdad under attack - screenshot

Source: USCCB/Vatican Media

The President of the US Bishops' Conference (USCCB) has appealed to President Trump to avoid going through with his threat to "destroy the whole Iranian civilization" if Tehran does not agree to re-open the Strait of Hormuz.

"I call on President Trump to step back from the precipice of war and negotiate a just settlement for the sake of peace and before more lives are lost," said Archbishop Paul S Coakley, in a statement published on Tuesday, 7 April.

With the threat of increased military action, including the targeting of civilian infrastructure in Iran, Archbishop Coakley also highlighted Pope Leo XIV's appeals for peace during Holy Week and Easter and invited all men and women of goodwill to join him in a prayer vigil for peace on Saturday, 11 April.

"I make a special plea to my brother bishops, the priests, the laity, and all people yearning for true peace to join the Holy Father's Vigil for Peace, whether virtually, or in parishes, chapels, or before the Lord present in the quiet of their hearts to join with our Holy Father as we pray for peace in our world," Archbishop Coakley said.