Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, has called for renewed diplomatic efforts in response to rising tensions and escalating violence in the Middle East. His statement follows recent reports indicating a worsening conflict in the region.
Coakley referenced Pope Leo XIV’s recent appeal, highlighting the need for restraint and urgent dialogue among all involved parties. He warned about the risks of further escalation and stressed that concrete actions are needed to end hostilities and protect civilians.
“The growing conflict risks spiraling into a wider regional war. As the Holy Father has warned, we are faced with the possibility of a tragedy of immense proportions. My brother bishops and I unite our voice with our Holy Father and make the heartfelt appeal to all parties involved for diplomacy to regain its proper role. We ask for a halt to the spiral of violence, and a return to multilateral diplomatic engagement that seeks to uphold the ‘well-being of peoples, who yearn for peaceful existence founded on justice.’ All nations, international bodies, and partners committed to peace must exert every effort to prevent further escalation,” said Coakley.
He also urged members of the Catholic community and others concerned about peace to continue praying for an end to violence in the Middle East, as well as safety for both military personnel and civilians caught in conflict zones.
“At this critical moment, I invite Catholics and all people of goodwill to continue our ardent prayers for peace in the Middle East, for the safety of our troops and the innocent, that leaders may seek dialogue over destruction, and pursue the common good over the tragedy of war. We implore the intercession of our Blessed Mother, Mary, Queen of Peace, to pray for our troubled world and for a lasting peace,” he added.
