Pope Leo has sharply criticized the aerial bombardments, saying they are indiscriminate and should be banned.
In his latest anti-war comments, Leo did not specifically mention the expanding Middle East conflict in a meeting with executives and staff from Italy’s ITA Airways but strongly decried the use of airpower in any warfare.
“No one should have to fear that threats of death and destruction might come from the sky.
“After the tragic experiences of the 20th century, aerial bombings should have been banned forever.
“Yet they still exist, this is not progress; it is regression,” he said.
The pope has called repeatedly for a ceasefire in the Iran war. On Sunday, he called the conflict a “scandal to the whole human family.”
Pope Leo XIV on Sunday appealed for an end to the escalating violence in the Middle East, praying that the “roar of bombs” would fall silent as the conflict ignited by US-Israeli air strikes on Iran entered its ninth day.
He noted that reports emerging from the area “continues to arouse deep dismay”.
“Added to the episodes of violence and devastation and the widespread climate of hatred and fear, is the fear that the conflict will spread, and that other countries in the region, including beloved Lebanon, may once again sink into instability,” he said.
Reuters/NAN
