Pope Leo condemned the killing of protesters in Iran
The leader of the world’s Catholics condemned the killing of protesters in Iran and expressed concern over the increasing civilian casualties in the war and the deadlock in negotiations.
Pope Leo, the leader of the world’s Catholics, condemned the killing of protesters in Iran on Thursday and called for an end to violent actions.
In a conversation with reporters while returning from a trip to Africa, he said, ‘I condemn all actions that are unjust. I condemn the taking of human lives.’
Pope Leo added, ‘When a government makes decisions that unjustly take the lives of others, it is obvious that this must be condemned.’
He also condemned the killing of many civilians in ongoing wars and emphasized that as a religious leader, he cannot be in favor of war.
The leader of the Catholics further expressed concern about the state of negotiations between Iran and the United States, saying, ‘One day Iran says yes, the United States says no, and vice versa. We don’t know where it will lead.’
He added that this situation has caused suffering for ordinary people and said, ‘The entire population of Iran, innocent people, are suffering because of this war.’
This is Pope’s first public stance on the suppression of protesters in Iran, and it comes amid previous criticisms of his silence on this issue.