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

Washington, D.C. Newsroom, Jun 16, 2025 / 18:40 pm (CNA).

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.