VATICAN CITY, Rome — As war escalates across the Middle East following attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran, Pope Leo XIV, declared that the world is “faced with the possibility of a tragedy of enormous proportions,” which should be stopped because there are no winners in any war or conflict.

“I address to the parties involved a heartfelt appeal to assume the moral responsibility of halting the spiral of violence before it becomes an irreparable abyss,” the pope stressed as if to warn that further aggression from the opposing sides could trigger a global war.

The 70-year-old American-born pontiff issued the call before thousands of Romans and pilgrims in Saint Peter’s Square after midday on Sunday, including some from the United States.

“I follow with profound concern what is happening in the Middle East and Iran in these dramatic hours,” he underscored hours before US officials confirmed the killing of Iran’s 86-year-old supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

“Stability and peace are not built with mutual threats nor with weapons that sow destruction, pain and death but only through a dialogue that is reasonable, authentic and responsible,” he added.

Pope Leo prayed that “diplomacy may regain its role and promote the good of the peoples who yearn for a peaceful coexistence founded on justice” even as he invited those present and believers worldwide, “let us continue to pray for peace.”