New Delhi, March 11 -- Pope Leo XIV called Monday for an end to the U.S.-Israel war in Iran, issuing a new but still muted appeal as two of his U.S. cardinals condemned the war, rejected the rationale for launching it and the "video game" way it was being portrayed.

The Vatican spokesman issued a statement late Monday, articulating Leo's "deep sorrow" after a Maronite Catholic priest, the Rev. Pierre El Raii, was killed Monday in southern Lebanon. Vatican News said Raii, pastor of Qlayaa, was killed in a bombing as he tried to rescue a wounded parishioner.

Leo prayed for all those killed, especially the children.

"He is following events with concern and prays for an end to hostilities as soon as possible," said the after-hours statemen...