Pope Leo on Saturday urged leaders in Iran and Israel to embrace “reason” and seek dialogue following a deadly exchange of airstrikes that left dozens dead and forced many civilians into shelters.

Speaking from St. Peter’s Basilica, the pontiff expressed deep concern over the escalating conflict, marking one of his most forceful calls for peace since ascending to the papacy five weeks ago.

“At this critical juncture, I fervently renew my plea for responsibility and reason,” Pope Leo said, urging both nations to pursue diplomatic solutions over violence.

He emphasized that the path to a safer, nuclear-free world lies in respectful engagement and honest dialogue essential steps toward lasting peace rooted in justice, brotherhood, and the collective well-being of humanity.

“No nation should ever threaten the very existence of another,” Pope Leo declared. “It is the responsibility of every country to champion peace by fostering reconciliation and advancing solutions that ensure both security and dignity for all.”

Leo, who assumed the papacy on May 8 following the death of Pope Francis, is the first pontiff from the United States.

In contrast to his predecessor’s spontaneous speaking style, Leo tends to deliver carefully prepared remarks, rarely straying from his script.

On Saturday, he read his appeal in Italian from a written text.

His comments came in the wake of a major Israeli offensive launched early Friday against Iran.

The operation, which targeted high-ranking commanders, military facilities, and nuclear infrastructure, was described by Israel as a “preemptive strike” aimed at halting Iran’s pursuit of nuclear weapons.

In response, Iran which maintains that its uranium enrichment efforts are for peaceful purposes and not part of a covert weapons program launched multiple missile strikes on Israeli territory.

The retaliation left at least two people dead and dozens more injured.