Overview
- Pope Leo XIV praised reported memoranda between the United States and Iran and a separate Israel–Iran understanding and said he hopes they mean “the war really has ended.”
- The pope told journalists at Castel Gandolfo that at least one memorandum is expected to be formally signed on Friday, while stressing that several substantive points remain unresolved.
- Speaking in St. Peter’s Square, he urged negotiations over a return to arms and reproached leaders who use religious language to justify violence, saying Christ rejects the prayers of those who wage war.
- The pope linked the Middle East developments to a broader diplomatic push, calling for opened negotiation channels for a just, lasting peace in Ukraine and warning about civilian casualties and damage to cultural heritage.
- Vatican coverage and regional reports say international mediation — including reported Pakistani involvement in the Israel–Iran talks — produced the understandings, but full texts and details have not been published.