Pope Leo XIV on Sunday expressed deep concern over escalating tensions in the Middle East, particularly involving Iran, calling on all parties to halt what he described as a “spiral of violence” before it descends into an “irreparable abyss.”

Speaking from the window of the Apostolic Palace during the Angelus prayer on March 1, the pope stressed that “stability and peace are not built with mutual threats, nor with weapons,” but through “reasonable, authentic, and responsible dialogue.” He urged diplomacy to “recover its role” in pursuing the common good and fostering peaceful coexistence grounded in justice.

“Let us continue to pray for peace,” he added.

The pontiff also appealed for calm in the conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan, calling for an urgent return to dialogue. He invited Catholics worldwide to pray for harmony in areas affected by violence, emphasizing that “only peace, a gift of God, can heal the wounds between peoples.”

In addition, Pope Leo expressed solidarity with residents of Minas Gerais, Brazil, following severe flooding in the state. He offered prayers for victims, displaced families, and rescue workers responding to the disaster.

Earlier, in his reflection before the Angelus, the pope spoke about the Gospel account of the Transfiguration. He described Christ as the living wisdom who fulfills the Law and the Prophets, saying the Transfiguration foreshadows the light of Easter — from death to resurrection, from darkness to new light. That light, he said, shines on those “scourged by violence,” “crucified by suffering,” and “abandoned in misery.”

The Holy Father said the Lord “transfigures the wounds of history,” illuminating hearts and minds with hope. He noted that understanding this mystery requires silence, listening to the Word, and ongoing conversion to fully experience the Lord’s presence.