Vatican City, April 8 (ANI): Pope Leo XIV expressed approval of the provisional truce between the United States and Iran, calling it “a sign of deep hope” during an address at St. Peter’s Square on Wednesday.
The pontiff said he received the development “with satisfaction and as a sign of deep hope,” according to remarks translated by Vatican News.
His comments came shortly after he strongly condemned US President Donald Trump’s earlier warning to eradicate “a whole civilization” if Tehran failed to comply with American ultimatums by the Tuesday deadline.
Speaking to the press on Tuesday amid rising tensions, the Pope said, “Today, as we all know, there was this threat against the entire people of Iran, and this is truly unacceptable.”
He emphasized that while the situation raises issues of international law, it is ultimately a moral concern. “Even more than that, it is a moral question for the good of the people,” he added.
The Pope’s message followed a de-escalation by Trump, who suspended the “bombing and attack” campaign on Iran and announced a two-week bilateral ceasefire, stating that a 10-point proposal from Iran was “workable.”
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the proposal would serve as the basis for negotiating a permanent agreement, while reiterating that the United States had already achieved most of its military objectives.
“Based on conversations with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir of Pakistan, who requested that I hold off the destructive force being sent tonight to Iran, I agree to suspend the bombing and attack of Iran for a period of two weeks,” Trump said.
He added that the suspension is subject to the “complete, immediate, and safe opening of the Strait of Hormuz,” noting that both sides are progressing toward a definitive agreement on long-term peace in the Middle East.
Iran quickly accepted the proposal, agreeing to the two-week pause in military operations and ensuring safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi confirmed the decision on X, stating that Iran’s “powerful armed forces will cease their defensive operations” provided that attacks against the country are halted.
Araghchi said the decision was made on behalf of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council and acknowledged the US acceptance of the general framework of Iran’s 10-point proposal as the basis for further negotiations.
The development has paved the way for formal talks, with discussions between the Iranian delegation, led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, and the US team, headed by Vice President JD Vance, scheduled to take place Friday in Islamabad. (ANI)
About The Author
