Pope Leo urges US-President to-end Iran war

Pope Leo XIV has urged U.S. President Donald Trump to seek a diplomatic exit from the widening Iran conflict as casualties mount across the region.

"I'm told that President Trump has recently stated that he would like to end the war. Hopefully he's looking for an off-ramp. ... Hopefully he's looking for a way to decrease the amount of violence," Pope Leo said.

The pontiff voiced concern over mounting civilian casualties and called for an immediate end to hostilities before Easter on April 5.

"There have been so many deaths, including innocent children," the pope said. "Let's continually appeal for peace. … There are too many people who promote fighting, violence (and) war," Pope Leo said.

Leo, who is known for choosing his words carefully, rarely makes direct appeals ​to national leaders but he has been stepping up ​criticism of the Iran war in recent weeks.