I.M.A.M. Welcomes His Holiness Pope Leo XIV’s Call for Peace and Respect for International Law

In a wise and timely address delivered on June 26, 2025, at the Vatican, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV expressed grave concern over the escalating conflicts in the Middle East, describing them as raging with “diabolical intensity.” His Holiness lamented the devastation of nations, the domination of special interests, and the cloud of hatred that has rendered the air “unbreathable and toxic.” Once again, His Holiness called on the international community to uphold international and humanitarian law.

The Imam Mahdi Association of Marjaeya (I.M.A.M.), the liaison office of the religious authority in North America, warmly welcomes these courageous and compassionate remarks. They resonate deeply with the prophetic and ethical message shared by the great religious traditions, especially those rooted in divine revelation, calling for peace, justice, and the protection of human dignity.

These timely remarks and emphasis on peace remind us of the historic meeting that took place between the late Pope Francis and the Supreme Shia Religious Authority, His Eminence Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Ali al-Sistani (may God protect him), in Najaf al-Ashraf on March 6, 2021. In that meeting—as well as in subsequent correspondence—both leaders emphasized the urgent need to reduce, and indeed end, violence, war, and bloodshed in the region and the world.

The long-standing coexistence among the followers of a variety of religions in the Middle East has deep historical roots. For centuries, religious leaders have worked tirelessly to illuminate the truth, guide their followers, and thwart the sinister agendas of those who seek to exploit religion and spirituality for destructive political goals. Their guidance has been essential in fostering mutual respect, mercy, and cooperation among diverse communities. Indeed, during the same historical periods when sectarian violence and wars in Europe were subjected to severe persecution, many found refuge and lived freely alongside their Muslim brothers and sisters in the Islamic lands. This shared legacy of coexistence stands as a powerful testimony to the potential of religious harmony when justice and dignity are upheld.

At I.M.A.M., we do not view interfaith collaboration to end violence and bloodshed as a tactical or temporary measure, but rather as a religious and moral obligation—an expression of the divine command: “Cooperate in righteousness and piety” (5: 2) and “God invites to the abode of peace, and He guides whomever He wishes to a straight path” (10: 25).

The Shia religious authority has consistently called for the establishment of a state grounded in equality, justice, the rule of law, and inclusive national partnership. At the heart of this vision lies the imperative of ensuring a dignified life for all human beings and guaranteeing meaningful access to justice for every citizen, without discrimination or coercion.

I.M.A.M. once again welcomes the message of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV and reaffirms the necessity of interfaith collaboration in alleviating the suffering of God’s creation, ending devastating wars, and strengthening hope for a world built on peace, dignity, and compassion. We believe that through sincere faith, respectful dialogue, and our shared human conscience, we can work together to build a more just and merciful world.

We strive, pray, and hope that the voice of reason, justice, and mercy will prevail over the clamor of war and hatred.