Pope Leo on Wednesday ​lamented the death ‌of numerous civilians in the ongoing Iran war ​and also expressed ​closeness to people in ⁠Lebanon, saying the ​country, targeted by Israeli ​strikes, was going through a “great trial.”

Leo, the first ​US pope, called ​on pilgrims in his weekly ‌audience ⁠in St. Peter’s Square to pray for peace.

“Let us continue ​to pray ​for ⁠peace in Iran, and throughout ​the Middle East, ​especially ⁠for the many civilian victims, including many ⁠innocent ​children,” said ​the pontiff.