Pope Leo welcomes ceasefire with Iran, calls for dialogue

Pope Leo XIV has welcomed with “pleasure” the announcement of a two-week ceasefire in the war with Iran, CNN reports.

During a speech at the Vatican, he stressed that the cessation of fighting represents a “sign of hope” and an opportunity for a return to diplomatic dialogue.

“Only through negotiations can the war end. This period should be used for diplomacy and reflection, with the hope that dialogue will also help resolve other conflicts in the world,” he said.

The Pope, who has been critical of the war, had also condemned the threats against the Iranian people a day earlier, calling them “totally unacceptable.”

Meanwhile, the state of Iran and US agree two-week conditional ceasefire as Israel launches new strikes on Lebanon.

Pakistan’s PM Shehbaz Sharif – who has been mediating talks – says Islamabad will host US and Iranian delegations on Friday “to further negotiate for a conclusive agreement to settle all disputes”.

There have been reports from Iranian media that Vance will head US negotiations with Iran, but we’re yet to hear from Washington on this.