March 16 (UPI) -- Pope Leo XIV called for a cease-fire in the Middle East on Sunday, issuing his strongest and most direct demand to date for an end to the U.S.-Israeli war in Iran as the conflict entered its third week.
"On behalf of the Christians of the Middle East, and of all women and men of good will, I appeal to those responsible for this conflict: Cease fire!," the pope said during the Angelus in St. Peter's Square.
The pope made no mention of the United States, Israel or Iran by name, though the three countires have been embroiled in a deepening war since the two allies attacked the Middle Eastern country on Feb. 28.
More than 2,000 people have been killed in the war, according to available casualty figures.
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