Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin patriarch of Jerusalem (pictured) and Cardinal Dominique Mathieu of the Archdiocese of Tehran–Isfahan in Iran asked for prayers on June 16, 2025, as the conflict between Iran and Israel escalated. / Credit: Courtesy of Custos of the Holy Land
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By Tyler Arnold, June 16, 2025
Catholic leaders in both Iran and Israel are praying for peace as
violence between the two nations continues to escalate following Israel’s
assassinations of Iranian military officials and nuclear scientists and Israeli
airstrikes against Iranian military facilities and nuclear sites.
Israel launched its initial attack on June 13, with Prime Minister
Benjamin Netanyahu stating Israel’s goal is to halt Iran’s nuclear program. In
response, Iran has launched hundreds of ballistic missiles, the majority of
which Israel has successfully shot down. More than 200 Iranians and at least 24
Israelis have been killed.
Cardinal Dominique Mathieu of the Archdiocese of Tehran–Isfahan in Iran
as well as Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin patriarch of Jerusalem
in Israel, are both praying for peace at a time when many worry that the
military conflict could expand.
In an interview with AsiaNews, Mathieu said hours after the initial
attack that “it is with regret that we observe … once again that peace is
sought through preventive attacks instead of committing to dialogue around the
negotiating table.”
“We pray that peace through dialogue based on a consensus will prevail,”
he said. “May the Holy Spirit guide this process.”
The Patriarchate of Jerusalem posted a prayer “for a just peace” on
its official X account just hours after the initial attack.
“O God of peace, ‘You are the same yesterday, today, and forever’ (Heb
13:8),” the prayer reads. “You have said: ‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I
give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be
troubled, neither let them be afraid’ (Jn 14:27).”
“We lift our weary hearts to you, Lord, longing for your light amid the
shadows of fear and unrest,” the prayer continues. “Teach us to be peacemakers,
for ‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God’ (Mt
5:9). Sow in us the seeds of reconciliation, and make us instruments of your
peace in a wounded world.”
“Grant us the grace to live as you have commanded: ‘If possible, so far
as it depends on you, live peaceably with all’ (Rom 12:18). Let there be in our
cities and lands: ‘Peace within your walls and security within your towers’ (Ps
122:7). In the midst of trouble, we proclaim: ‘The Lord is my light and my
salvation: Whom shall I fear?’ (Ps 27:1). ‘I will both lie down and sleep in
peace; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety’ (Ps 4:8).”
“We trust in your everlasting promise: ‘Behold, I am with you always,
even to the end of the age’ (Mt 28:20). Amen.”
Pope Leo XIV also spoke about the escalating violence over the
weekend, saying “the situation in Iran and Israel has seriously deteriorated”
and appealed to “responsibility and reason.”
“Our commitment to building a safer world free from the nuclear threat
must be pursued through respectful encounters and sincere dialogue,” Leo said.
It is the “duty of all countries” to pursue “paths of reconciliation”
and promote solutions that are grounded in justice, fraternity, and the common
good to build lasting peace and security in the region, the pontiff said.
Israel’s attack came amid ongoing dialogue between the U.S. and Iran
concerning a nuclear deal that would avoid military conflict. American and
Iranian officials were scheduled to meet on June 15 in Oman, but Iran canceled
the talks after the attack.
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