Afghanistan, June 17 -- Pope Leo XIV has welcomed the emerging U.S.-Iran agreement aimed at ending the recent conflict, saying he thanked God that both sides appeared close to finalizing the deal expected to be signed later this week.
Speaking outside his residence in Castel Gandolfo, Italy, on Tuesday, the pontiff expressed hope that the agreement would lead to a genuine and lasting end to hostilities. He said some issues still needed to be resolved but stressed that dialogue and diplomacy remain preferable to war.
"I hope this truly becomes a solution to the conflict, that the war is really over, and that we can move forward," Pope Leo said.
The remarks come as Washington and Tehran move toward formalizing a framework agreement focused...