In an ongoing effort to advocate for peace in the Middle East, Pope Francis engaged in a significant dialogue with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi this past Sunday.
In the wake of escalating violence in Gaza, the Vatican confirmed this high-level exchange, which came at President Raisi’s behest.
According to the Vatican, in their conversation, Raisi lauded Pope Francis for his persistent appeals for peace.
According to the Iranian presidency’s website, in the call, Raisi emphasized the duty shared by all Abrahamic faiths to aid “the oppressed people of Palestine.” The Iranian leader also implored the Pope to leverage his influence in the West to halt what he termed “the greatest genocide of the century” in Gaza.
In his Angelus address on the same day, Pope Francis called for a cease-fire, underscoring the dire need to avert further escalation and to ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza’s beleaguered inhabitants.
“I keep thinking about the grave situation in Palestine and Israel, where many people have lost their lives. I beg you to stop in the name of God. Cease fire.”
Pope Francis also called for the immediate liberation of hostages, notably children, detained by Hamas in Gaza.
Pope Francis’s dialogue with President Raisi is part of a series of conversations with world leaders, including recent discussions with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.
Pray for peace!
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