Pope Francis Speaks on Iran's Actions Against Israel, Calls for Peace

"No one should threaten the existence of others." Pope Francis, for the first time, speaks openly about Iran, mentioning it during the Regina Coeli, and "the intervention" that Tehran has launched against Israel tonight. "I follow through prayer, concern, and with pain the news about the worsening situation in Israel due to the intervention by Iran: I make a heartfelt appeal for the spiral of violence to stop with the risk of dragging the Middle East into an even greater war conflict." Leaning out from the balcony of the Apostolic Palace, the pontiff asked for the release of the Israeli hostages kidnapped six months ago and repeated that no one should "threaten the existence of others" hoping that all nations "stand on the side of peace and help Palestinians and Israelis to live side by side, two states in security. It's a legitimate wish, and their right. Two neighboring states." Furthermore, Francis called for a ceasefire in Gaza. "Let's pursue the paths of negotiation with determination. And let's help that population which has fallen into a humanitarian crisis. We pray for peace. So much suffering. Yes to dialogue and peace." The crowd present in St. Peter's Square for the recitation of the Regina Coeli erupted into a long and spontaneous applause.