Camille Naredo

Pope Leo XIV addresses the crowd from a window of the apostolic palace overlooking St. Peter's Square during the Angelus prayer in The Vatican on March 8, 2026.

Pope Leo XIV addresses the crowd from a window of the apostolic palace overlooking St. Peter's Square during the Angelus prayer in The Vatican on March 8, 2026. (Photo by TIZIANA FABI / AFP)

Article (news)

Pope Leo

Agence France-Presse

VATICAN CITY, Holy See -- Pope Leo XIV on Sunday prayed the &quot;roar of bombs&quot; in the Middle East will cease, as the war triggered by US-Israeli air strikes on Iran extended into its ninth day.News from the region &quot;continues to arouse deep dismay&quot;, the US-born pope said at the end of the Angelus prayer.&quot;Added to the episodes of violence and devastation and the widespread climate of hatred and fear, is the fear that the conflict will spread, and that other countries in the region, including beloved Lebanon, may once again sink into instability,&quot; he said.On Sunday, Iran was preparing to reveal its new supreme leader, after US-Israeli air strikes destroyed fuel dumps and triggered fires that choked much of Tehran in a thick blanket of smoke.<div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/world/2026/3/7/iran-vows-no-surrender-as-air-strikes-hit-tehran-airport-2113">READ: Iran vows no surrender as air strikes hit Tehran airport</a></div>Iranian missile-and-drone retaliation has targeted many Gulf countries and further afield in the Middle East.US President Donald Trump has refused to rule out sending American ground troops into Iran, but continues to insist that the war is progressing speedily.Leo said he prayed &quot;that the roar of the bombs may cease, the weapons may fall silent, and a space for dialogue may open in which the voices of the peoples may be heard&quot;.

Pope Leo XIV on Sunday prayed the "roar of bombs" in the Middle East will cease, as the war triggered by US-Israeli air strikes on Iran extended into its ninth day.

Pope Leo XIV on Sunday prayed the "roar of bombs" in the Middle East will cease, as the war triggered by US-Israeli air strikes on Iran extended into its ninth day.

Pope prays 'roar of the bombs' in Middle East will cease

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

BINI

Sudoku

Word of the Day

Lotto

Horoscope

World

Pope prays 'roar of the bombs' in Middle East will cease

Agence France-Presse

Published March 09, 2026 12:13 AM PHT

Read More:

Iran

Pope Leo

United States

Israel

Middle East

conflict

Angelus

religion

Vatican City

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

Sign Up

I have read and agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy.

Haven't received our newsletter?

Check your inbox to verify and confirm your subscription.

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.