Pope urges peace in talks with Israeli and Ukrainian presidents

Middle East outlets focus on how Pope Leo XIV’s first Easter falls under the shadow of war in West Asia. They underline his concern that people are becoming desensitised to images of destruction in Gaza, Israel and neighbouring areas, and his plea for leaders to end fighting. Coverage often connects his message to regional debates over civilian casualties and the need for dialogue between regional rivals.

• •Middle East reports highlight that the Pope’s Easter falls during an ongoing war in West Asia.
• •Coverage stresses his warning that the world is becoming indifferent to violence in the region.
• •Reports say his appeal for leaders to lay down arms speaks directly to regional governments and armed groups.
• •Commentators link his call for dialogue to stalled efforts to reach ceasefires in the Middle East.
• •Some coverage notes that his message adds moral pressure on regional actors over civilian protection.