Pope Urges US-Iran Peace Talks and Condemns Capital Punishment
Pope Leo XIV called for renewed diplomacy between the United States and Iran while addressing migration and the death penalty during a press conference following his trip to Africa
Pope Leo XIV urged the United States and Iran to return to diplomatic negotiations to end the ongoing war during a wide-ranging press conference held on Thursday. The pontiff's remarks were delivered to reporters aboard the papal plane as he traveled back from a multi-day trip to Africa. He emphasized the critical importance of dialogue between the two nations to achieve a peaceful resolution to their conflict, marking a significant call for international de-escalation and a return to the negotiating table.[1][2]
During the session with the media, the Pope also expressed a strong condemnation of capital punishment, reaffirming his long-standing stance against the death penalty. This statement was part of a broader discussion on human rights and justice that took place during the flight home from his African tour.[1][2]
He further addressed the complexities of the global migration crisis, asserting that while sovereign nations maintain the right to manage and control their borders, they must ensure that migrants are treated with human dignity. He specifically warned that authorities must not treat those seeking to cross borders worse than "animals," highlighting the moral obligations of states toward displaced persons and those seeking refuge.[1]
