Pope Leo welcomes Iran-US agreement as ‘an encouraging outcome’; reflects on Spain visit
In his June 17 General Audience, Pope Leo XIV Pope Leo XIV welcomed a newly announced agreement between the United States and Iran aimed at easing tensions in the Middle East, describing it as “an encouraging outcome” of dialogue and negotiation before he reflected on his recent apostolic trip to Spain.
In his June 17 General Audience, Pope Leo XIV Pope Leo XIV welcomed a newly announced agreement between the United States and Iran aimed at easing tensions in the Middle East, describing it as “an encouraging outcome” of dialogue and negotiation before he reflected on his recent apostolic trip to Spain.
“I welcome with satisfaction the agreement reached between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States of America, which is to be signed on Friday, as an encouraging outcome of patient dialogue and negotiation,” Pope Leo said.
“I express my gratitude to the countries that have worked to facilitate the meeting between the parties and make this agreement possible,” he added. “I hope that this agreement may help to strengthen mutual trust, security and stability in the Middle East, by promoting paths of dialogue and cooperation among peoples.”
The Pope’s appeal echoed themes of dialogue and unity that he referenced throughout his General Audience, the majority of which he spent reflecting on his recent apostolic journey to Spain.
Pope Leo said the visit revealed the enduring faith of the Spanish people and a desire for unity rooted in Christ.
The Holy Father recounted his visits to Madrid, Barcelona, the Abbey of Montserrat, and the Canary Islands. In each location, he said, he was welcomed by large crowds and witnessed a vibrant expression of faith.
Pope Leo said the enthusiasm surrounding the visit reflected more than affection for the papacy, pointing instead to a deeper search for community.
“I believe it reveals a widespread need to find unity on a true and deep foundation,” he said, “one that is neither ideological nor based on partial interests.”
The Pontiff said such unity can only be found in Christ and the Gospel, which he said continues to respond to humanity’s search for truth and thirst for justice.
Referring to the trip’s motto, “Alzad la mirada” (“Lift up your gaze”), Pope Leo encouraged Catholics to adopt Christ’s way of seeing others.
“Let us lift up our eyes,” he said. “Let us learn from Jesus to look at our neighbour, at people, at the world, ‘through God’s eyes,’ that is, with love, respect, and compassion.”
Pope Leo also reflected on Europe’s Catholic heritage, describing it as a living reality that continues to offer guidance on modern challenges, including environmental stewardship, peace, and the protection of human dignity.
During the trip, Pope Leo said he encountered people searching for hope amid such difficulties of modern life, including the many trials faced by migrants, young people, abuse victims, and prison inmates.
Particularly moving, he said, was his visit to the Canary Islands, where he witnessed the local Church's ministry to migrants arriving from Africa. While acknowledging the complexities of public policy surrounding migration, Pope Leo said he shared that he saw how the Gospel can foster dialogue, fraternity, and mutual enrichment among peoples and cultures.
Reflecting on that experience, Pope Leo said the Gospel continues to bear fruit within different cultures, helping people encounter one another through dialogue, fraternity, and a shared dignity rooted in Christ.
