Pope Leo XIV welcomes US-Iran truce, says "thanks be to God" and urges dialogue over war as Middle East peace talks move forwardFollow our live coveragehttps://t.co/engl6Ithuv https://t.co/r0Vm0yYPvS News Analysis & Summary In a rare and powerful statement from the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV publicly welcomed the newly announced truce between the United States and Iran, declaring thanks be to God and urging all parties to pursue dialogue rather than military escalation. The Popes blessing comes as Middle East peace talks gain momentum, with international mediators reporting cautious optimism in the region. The truce, brokered after months of back-channel negotiations, marks a significant de-escalation of tensions that had threatened to spiral into a full-scale war. Pope Leo XIV emphasized that peace is not merely the absence of conflict but the presence of justice, and called on global leaders to prioritize humanitarian concerns over geopolitical ambitions. In my opinion, this moment represents a pivotal shift away from decades of hostility. The Popes endorsement lends moral weight to the negotiations, reminding us that faith communities can be powerful advocates for peace. However, the real test lies in the implementation: will this truce lead to lasting structural changes, or is it a temporary pause? The world must remain vigilant and support sustained diplomatic engagement, not just a ceasefire. The Vaticans involvement could serve as a moral compass, encouraging both sides to compromise and build trust. This is a rare window of opportunityone that must not be squandered by political brinkmanship. Source: @trtworld on X/TwitterPublic Engagement Views: 5,937 Likes: 20 Comments: 1 Shares: 6 Published: June 16, 2026, 11:21 pm