LBCI

Pope criticizes Iran strike on Iraq, pleads against escalation

World News

17-01-2024 | 06:09

Share

Share

Pope criticizes Iran strike on Iraq, pleads against escalation

2^min

Pope Francis on Wednesday condemned the Iranian missile attack on the Kurdistan region in northern Iraq, and urged all parties to avoid an escalation of conflicts in the Middle East.

The strike has deepened worries about worsening instability across the Middle East since the war between Israel and Hamas broke out on Oct. 7, with Iran's allies also entering the fray from Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and Yemen.

"I express my closeness and solidarity with the victims, all civilians, of the missile attack that hit an urban area of Erbil, the capital of the autonomous region of Iraqi Kurdistan," Francis said during his weekly audience at the Vatican.

"Good relations between neighbours are not built with similar actions, but with dialogue and collaboration. I ask everyone to avoid any step that fuels tension in the Middle East and other war scenarios," he added.

Francis called for prayers for the "many victims of war", mentioning specifically Ukraine, Gaza and other Palestinian territory, and Israel.

Reuters

World News

Pope Francis

Iran

Missile

Kurdistan

Iraq

Escalation

Middle East

Next

Trump says he will visit Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE as early as May

Recommended For You

Trump orders nuclear submarines moved near Russia

13:54

Trump orders nuclear submarines moved near Russia

Russian advance in Ukraine accelerates for fourth straight month: AFP analysing ISW data

08:53

Russian advance in Ukraine accelerates for fourth straight month: AFP analysing ISW data

Putin says Russia wants lasting peace in Ukraine

08:36

Putin says Russia wants lasting peace in Ukraine

Rescue work over in Kyiv after Russian strike, 31 killed: Zelensky

05:04

Rescue work over in Kyiv after Russian strike, 31 killed: Zelensky

Subscribe to our VOD

SUBSCRIBE

Our visitors readings

Political deliberations: Lebanese Cabinet to tackle controversial arms control

News Bulletin Reports

12:55

Political deliberations: Lebanese Cabinet to tackle controversial arms control

On the front line: Lebanese Army marks 80th anniversary

News Bulletin Reports

12:49

On the front line: Lebanese Army marks 80th anniversary

Sources to LBCI: Finance Minister signs judicial appointments decree for Court of Cassation chiefs

2025-04-30

Sources to LBCI: Finance Minister signs judicial appointments decree for Court of Cassation chiefs

Lebanese PM Salam meets Indonesian Ambassador, discusses bilateral ties

06:51

Lebanese PM Salam meets Indonesian Ambassador, discusses bilateral ties

Videos

Pregnant journalist Petra Abou Haidar attacked in road rage assault

2025-07-15

Pregnant journalist Petra Abou Haidar attacked in road rage assault

Massive fire erupts at unregulated dumpsite in Bchannine, Zgharta district

2025-07-01

Massive fire erupts at unregulated dumpsite in Bchannine, Zgharta district

Clash between Lebanese Army and residents of Deir Qanoun Al Nahr results in injuries (Video)

2025-06-10

Clash between Lebanese Army and residents of Deir Qanoun Al Nahr results in injuries (Video)

Mexico dedicates garden around Lebanese Emigrant Statue in Beirut to mark 80 years of diplomatic ties

2025-06-04

Mexico dedicates garden around Lebanese Emigrant Statue in Beirut to mark 80 years of diplomatic ties

President Aoun to seek Egyptian support for Lebanese Army in detecting explosives and tunnels

2025-05-19

President Aoun to seek Egyptian support for Lebanese Army in detecting explosives and tunnels

LBCI Exclusive: US steps up pressure on Hezbollah, Morgan Ortagus details sanctions and vision for Lebanon's future

2025-05-15

LBCI Exclusive: US steps up pressure on Hezbollah, Morgan Ortagus details sanctions and vision for Lebanon's future

Kuwait rolls out official welcome for Lebanon's President Aoun – video

2025-05-11

Kuwait rolls out official welcome for Lebanon's President Aoun – video

Security incidents temporarily disrupt voting in several Akkar and Minieh-Danniyeh centers

2025-05-11

Security incidents temporarily disrupt voting in several Akkar and Minieh-Danniyeh centers

EU ambassador says 'we are not just donors, but genuine partners to Lebanon': Insights from exclusive LBCI interview

News Bulletin Reports

2025-05-09

EU ambassador says 'we are not just donors, but genuine partners to Lebanon': Insights from exclusive LBCI interview

Most read

24 hours

7 days

Month

Israel names UAE high-risk zone, keeps northern border on alert amid rising tensions

1

Israel names UAE high-risk zone, keeps northern border on alert amid rising tensions

MEA announces additional flight adjustments from August 2 to 7

2

MEA announces additional flight adjustments from August 2 to 7

Political deliberations: Lebanese Cabinet to tackle controversial arms control

3

Political deliberations: Lebanese Cabinet to tackle controversial arms control

Israel summons embassy staff in UAE amid alleged Iran-Hezbollah-Islamic Jihad threats

4

Israel summons embassy staff in UAE amid alleged Iran-Hezbollah-Islamic Jihad threats

Lost Frequencies is coming to Lebanon to perform live at Byblos International Festival! Book your tickets now, and be ready for an unforgettable night of music 🎶

5

Lost Frequencies is coming to Lebanon to perform live at Byblos International Festival! Book your tickets now, and be ready for an unforgettable night of music 🎶

On the front line: Lebanese Army marks 80th anniversary

6

On the front line: Lebanese Army marks 80th anniversary

Israeli army publishes images of spokesman Avichay Adraee touring Druze village in Mount Hermon

7

Israeli army publishes images of spokesman Avichay Adraee touring Druze village in Mount Hermon

Fuel prices drop in Lebanon

8

Fuel prices drop in Lebanon

Download now the LBCI mobile app

To see the latest news, the latest daily programs in Lebanon and the world

Google Play

App Store

Download now the LBCI mobile app

We use
cookies

We use cookies to make
your experience on this
website better.

Accept

Learn More