Pope welcomes Iran ceasefire, invites faithful to join prayer vigil for peace

Photo by Sunguk Kim on Unsplash

Source: Vatican Media

Pope Leo has welcomed today's news of a ceasefire in the Middle East and asks that all parties engage in prolonged dialogue to reach an end to the conflict. He also invites men and women of goodwill across the world to join him in prayer for peace on Saturday 11 April.

At the conclusion of his General Audience on Wednesday, 8 April, Pope Leo turned his thoughts to the weeks of tension that have been escalating in the Middle East. In light of the announcement of a two-week ceasefire on the evening of 7 April, the Pope said he welcomed the news "with satisfaction and as a sign of deep hope".

Addressing the faithful gathered in St Peter's Square, the Pope emphasised that "only through a return to the negotiating table can we bring the war to an end". He went on to urge those gathered to accompany this time of delicate diplomatic work with prayer, "in the hope that a willingness to engage in dialogue may become the means to resolve other situations of conflict throughout the world".

Finally, the Pope reminded the faithful that on Saturday, 11 April, a Prayer Vigil for Peace will be celebrated in St Peter's Basilica, and that everyone, both in person or following from home, is invited to join. The Vigil will take place at 6pm Rome time and will be presided over by the Holy Father. No tickets are required.

Iran, the United States and Israel said they reached a deal for a two-week ceasefire in the war that is ravaging the Middle East. On Tuesday evening, U.S. President Donald Trump pulled back from his threats to destroy Iranian "civilisation."

In a statement released on Wednesday morning, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that while it supports Trump's decision to suspend strikes against Iran for two weeks, the ceasefire will not include Lebanon, where more than 1,500 people have been killed. Since the ceasefire was announced last night the UN has verified that 103 civilians have been killed in Lebanon.

Saturday 11 April 6pm Rome Time
Rome: Prayer Vigil for Peace in St Peter's Basilica

Watch online: www.comunicazione.va/en/servizi/live.html

Local times for the Prayer Vigil for Peace:

London: Saturday, 11 April at 5pm BST

New York: Saturday, 11 April at 12noon EDT

Los Angeles: Saturday, 11 April at 9am PDT

Manila: Sunday, 12 April at midnight PHT

Sydney: Sunday, 12 April at 2am AEST