Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, urged Catholics on April 1 to continue praying for peace and a de-escalation of violence in the Middle East during Holy Week.
Coakley said it is important for people of faith to seek an end to the conflict with Iran through prayer and dialogue. He called on Catholics to “pray ardently for mutually respectful and effective dialogue that leads to a ceasefire and a negotiated end to the conflict with Iran.”
He referenced Pope Leo XIV’s appeal for peace made on Palm Sunday, quoting the pope: “Just as the Church contemplates the mystery of the Lord’s Passion, we cannot forget those who today are truly sharing in his suffering.” Coakley also expressed concern about ongoing hostilities, stating: “The longer the conflict with Iran continues, including the risk of deploying ground troops to the region, the greater the risk of a dramatic escalation risking an ever-greater regional conflict.” He welcomed recent signs from U.S. leadership that suggest an end may be near and joined calls from Pope Leo XIV urging all parties toward immediate ceasefire and dialogue.
Pope Leo XIV emphasized Jesus as “King of Peace” in his first Palm Sunday homily on March 29, highlighting Christ’s rejection of violence even when faced with injustice. The pope repeated this title throughout his homily while calling believers to remember their shared humanity.
Speaking outside Castel Gandolfo two days later, Pope Leo commented on President Trump’s reported desire to bring an end to hostilities: “Hopefully he’s looking for an off-ramp… which would be a significant contribution to removing hatred that’s being created and is increasing constantly in the Middle East and elsewhere.” The pope called upon world leaders “to say, come back to the table,” encouraging renewed efforts at dialogue.
Concluding his statement, Archbishop Coakley encouraged Christians not only to pray but also embrace their role as peacemakers: “Emboldened by Easter’s powerful, transformative grace… I urge faithful… that we Christians be true to our vocation as peacemakers, ‘the light of the world’ and ‘the salt of earth’ (Matthew 5:13-14).”
