Pope Leo XIV has voiced concern over the escalating unrest in Iran, calling for peace and dialogue as anti government protests continue amid reports of widespread violence and severe restrictions on information. Speaking after the Angelus prayer in St Peter’s Square, the Pope said his thoughts were with the peoples of the Middle East, particularly those affected by growing instability in Iran and neighboring regions. He lamented the loss of life linked to ongoing tensions and appealed for patient efforts aimed at dialogue in pursuit of the common good. The Pope’s remarks came as demonstrations entered a critical phase, marked by an internet blackout and the use of lethal force by security services. Vatican officials described the appeal as a moral intervention focused on de escalation rather than political positioning, consistent with the Holy See’s longstanding emphasis on peace, human dignity, and the protection of civilians during periods of internal conflict.
The current wave of protests in Iran began in late December and has been fueled by a deteriorating economic situation, rising inflation, and deep social frustration. Observers describe the movement as the most serious challenge faced in recent years by the leadership under Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. While protests have erupted periodically in the past, their scale and geographic spread have prompted an unusually forceful response from authorities. Reports from activists and international media indicate that hundreds or possibly thousands of people may have been killed in clashes over a short period of time, though precise figures remain difficult to verify due to the communications blackout. Footage circulating outside the country has shown scenes of heavy security presence and large numbers of casualties, intensifying global concern over the situation.
The unrest has also been shaped by political voices outside Iran, including statements from Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of the former shah, who has publicly encouraged protesters to continue demonstrations and challenge the current system of governance. His messages, shared through online platforms, have called on demonstrators to take control of public spaces and push for systemic change. Analysts note that such appeals have contributed to heightened tension and may have influenced the government’s decision to further restrict internet access. The Vatican has not commented on specific political actors but has consistently urged restraint and dialogue, warning that cycles of violence risk deepening divisions and causing further suffering among ordinary citizens, particularly the young and the vulnerable.
During his Angelus address, Pope Leo XIV emphasized that lasting solutions cannot be achieved through force and called for a commitment to dialogue that respects the dignity of every person. He expressed hope that peace might be patiently nurtured through mutual understanding and efforts aimed at social harmony. Vatican diplomats have long maintained that the Church’s role in such moments is to give voice to moral concern rather than propose political programs. As protests continue and information remains limited, the Pope’s appeal stands as a reminder of the human cost of conflict and the urgent need for paths that lead away from violence toward reconciliation and stability.
