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Pope Leo Urges Confession for Christians Who Start Wars

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Pope Leo XIV on Friday suggested that Christian political leaders who engage in armed conflicts should examine their conscience and go to confession, emphasizing adherence to Jesus’ teachings without naming specific leaders or wars. Speaking to priests at a Vatican conference on the practice of confession, he highlighted the importance of humility and moral reflection for those bearing grave responsibilities in conflicts.

The pope’s remarks come amid his repeated calls for an end to the ongoing Iran war, which began with joint U.S.-Israeli airstrikes on February 28. While the Catholic Church generally opposes war, it evaluates conflicts through the just war tradition, assessing whether actions like repelling an unjust invasion are morally justifiable. Cardinal Robert McElroy recently criticized the U.S.-Israeli strikes as failing to meet these criteria.

Pope Leo stressed that the sacrament of confession not only allows individual Catholics to seek forgiveness but also fosters peace and unity in society. By encouraging self-examination and repentance, the pope linked spiritual reflection with broader ethical responsibility, urging leaders and faithful alike to align their actions with Christian teachings on non-violence.

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Italy’s Meloni Criticises U.S.-Israeli Strikes on Iran

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Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Wednesday strongly criticised the U.S.-Israeli air strikes on Iran, calling them part of a dangerous global trend of unilateral interventions “outside the scope of international law.” Speaking to parliament, Meloni highlighted growing instability in the international system and compared the Middle East conflict to Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, warning that such interventions could have wider destabilising effects on global security.

Meloni emphasised that Iran must not be allowed to develop nuclear weapons, citing the potential collapse of the international non-proliferation framework and the dramatic security risks it would pose to Italy and Europe. While most European nations have largely refrained from criticising the U.S. and Israel directly, Meloni’s remarks signal a firmer stance by Rome amid ongoing air strikes that have disrupted around one-fifth of global oil and gas supplies.

To protect strategic interests and Italian citizens in the region, Meloni noted that Italy is providing air-defense assets to Gulf allies affected by Iranian strikes. She stressed that the deployment also safeguards approximately 2,000 Italian soldiers stationed in the Gulf, reflecting Rome’s dual concern for regional security and the safety of its nationals abroad.

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Pope Urges Prayers for Civilians in Iran War, Shows Solidarity with Lebanon

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Pope Leo XIV on Wednesday expressed deep sorrow over the deaths of civilians, including children, in the ongoing Iran war and called on pilgrims in St. Peter’s Square to pray for peace across the Middle East. Highlighting the humanitarian toll, he emphasized the need to end violence that could escalate further, appealing repeatedly for calm and reconciliation.

The pontiff also extended his condolences to Lebanon, currently facing Israeli strikes targeting Hezbollah. He lamented the death of Rev. Pierre El Rahi, a priest who was killed while assisting injured parishioners, calling him a “true shepherd.” Pope Leo reiterated his closeness to the Lebanese people, noting the country is undergoing a “great trial” amid regional conflict.

Pope Leo’s remarks come amid escalating tensions in the region, including a reported strike on a girls’ school in Minab, southern Iran, during the initial U.S. and Israeli attacks, which Iranian officials claim killed 150 students. While details are still under investigation, the pontiff’s call for prayers and solidarity underscores the Vatican’s humanitarian concern and ongoing engagement with affected communities.

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Airline Stocks Hit as Oil Soars Amid Middle East Conflict

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Airline shares across Asia tumbled on Monday as soaring oil prices and the escalating U.S.-Israeli war with Iran disrupted travel and raised operating costs. Crude oil jumped 20% to its highest level since July 2022, driving up jet fuel prices and intensifying financial pressure on carriers already struggling with limited airspace and supply chain challenges. Analysts warned that uncertainty for airlines has surged further amid the geopolitical crisis.

Travel disruptions have left tens of thousands of passengers stranded, with many paying premium rates for last-minute flights, overland journeys, or private charters. Since February 28, more than 37,000 flights to and from the Middle East have been cancelled. Airlines such as Qantas, Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines, Korean Air, China Southern, and China Eastern saw share declines ranging from 4% to over 10%, while Indian carriers IndiGo and SpiceJet fell 7.5% and 5.6%, respectively.

Airlines are forced to reroute flights, carry extra fuel, and make additional refueling stops to navigate the restricted airspace safely. Governments and airports, including Australia, Oman, and Turkey, have issued travel advisories and restricted certain flights. Meanwhile, pilots report increased mental stress due to prolonged conflicts, shrinking air corridors, and military drone threats, compounding operational challenges for carriers across the region.

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