After U.S. bombings on Iran, Pope Leo calls for diplomacy over destruction

Following U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, Pope Leo renewed his persistent plea for peace, condemning escalating violence and calling for diplomacy over destruction..

On Inside the Vatican, host Colleen Dulle and veteran Vatican correspondent Gerard O’Connell unpack Pope Leo’s powerful response—including his call to “let diplomacy silence the weapons,” and his stark reminder that “war does not solve problems; on the contrary, it amplifies them and inflicts deep wounds on the history of peoples, which take generations to heal.” He added, “No armed victory can compensate for the pain of mothers, the fear of children, or stolen futures.”

Later in the episode, Colleen and Gerry discuss Pope Leo’s surprise message at the premiere of a play about Paola Ugaz, the Peruvian journalist who exposed abuse in the now-suppressed lay group Sodalitium Christianae Vitae. In the letter, delivered from the stage by Vatican investigator Msgr. Jordi Bertomeu, the pope stated: “It is urgent to root in the whole church a culture of prevention that does not tolerate any form of abuse—neither of power or authority, nor abuse of conscience, spiritual or sexual abuse.” He added that such a culture “will only be authentic if it is born of active vigilance, of transparent processes and sincere listening to those who have been hurt. For this, we need journalists.”

They also touch on Pope Leo’s longstanding support for Ugaz and abuse survivors in Peru—dating back to his time as bishop—and his key role in the Vatican’s suppression of the Sodalitium group.

Finally, the hosts preview Pope Leo’s upcoming retreat to Castel Gandolfo, where he’ll revive the papal tradition of summer rest and reflection. While he won’t be staying in the papal palace (now a museum), the pope is expected to use his time for planning, reviewing major appointments, and discerning his next steps—including possible Vatican reforms and future trips. As Gerry notes, “He’s not going to be underemployed on his holiday.”

We’re taking a summer break from regular episodes—but we’ll be back next week with a special deep dive episode on the life of Pope Leo, featuring people who’ve known him for decades.

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Links from the show

• Pope Leo calls for stop to the Israel-Iran war after U.S. bombs Iranian nuclear sites
• As war rages between Israel and Iran, Pope Leo renews appeal to seek peace ‘through dialogue and diplomatic means’
• Pope says the church ‘needs journalists’ to maintain a culture of prevention in response to the abuse crisis
• Leo brings back a papal tradition: summer at Castel Gandolfo
• Pope Leo to return to practice of ‘imposing’ pallium on new archbishops