Pope Leo has urged an immediate ceasefire in Iran following an airstrike on a school in Minab that reportedly killed more than 100 people.
The US and Israel launched strikes on Iran on February 28, during which a missile hit Shajareh Tayyebeh school.
BBC News reports that 168 people were killed in the blast, around 110 of them children. Dozens more were said to have been injured.
The incident has drawn condemnation internationally, including from the United Nations, which described it as “a grave violation of humanitarian law”.
United Nations Messenger of Peace and Nobel Peace laurate Malala Yousafzai, 28, wrote on social media:
“The killing of civilians, especially children, is unconscionable, and I condemn it unequivocally.”
She added:
“All states and parties must uphold their obligations under international law to protect civilians and safeguard schools,” she went on. “Every child deserves to live and learn in peace.”
Pope Leo has now echoed those calls, appealing for a ceasefire and renewed dialogue.
In what are being described as his strongest remarks so far, the pontiff addressed the leaders behind the offensive against Iran, urging them to halt the fighting.
“On behalf of the Christians of the Middle East and all women and men of good will, I appeal to those responsible for this conflict,” Leo said.
“Ceasefire so that avenues for dialogue may be reopened. Violence can never lead to the justice, stability, and peace that the people are waiting for.”
Speaking at the conclusion of his Sunday noon blessing on March 15, the pope did not name the US or Israel directly.
However, the first American pope referred to strikes that hit a school, widely seen as a reference to the early-war missile attack on the elementary school in Iran.
US officials have suggested the strike may have been the result of outdated intelligence, adding that an investigation is underway.
Donald Trump also commented on the incident and the ongoing inquiry, telling reporters earlier this week:
“Whatever the report shows, I’m willing to live with that report.”
On March 11, dozens of Democratic senators signed a letter demanding answers about the strike on the school.
The letter stated:
“We write with grave concern regarding the airstrikes on a girls’ elementary school that reportedly killed at least 168 people – mostly children – in Minab, Iran during the opening salvo of US and Israeli operations on Iran on February 28.
“To be clear, the war against Iran is a war of choice without Congressional authorization. Nonetheless, as these military actions continue, the United States and Israel must abide by US and international law, including the law of armed conflict.”
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