*** DEBUG START ***
*** DEBUG END ***

Church leaders call for peace in Middle East

09 April 2026

‘This threat against the entire people of Iran . . . is truly unacceptable’ says Pope 

Alamy

Pope Leo XIV during the Via Crucis, the torchlit Good Friday procession at the Colosseum in Rome

Pope Leo XIV during the Via Crucis, the torchlit Good Friday procession at the Colosseum in Rome

CHURCHES across Jerusalem remained largely closed over Easter as the Middle East conflict — with its ensuing safety fears — continued, and Christian leaders around the world renewed their pleas for peace in the region.

On Tuesday, the Pope condemned President Trump’s social-media threat to Iran that “a whole civilization will die tonight”. Pope Leo said: “This threat against the entire people of Iran . . . is truly unacceptable.” Late on Tuesday, President Trump declared a two-week ceasefire with Iran.

Subscribe now to continue reading - from just £10

This article is only available to subscribers. Subscribe now to view this article or if you already have an existing subscription please Sign In.

Browse Church and Charity jobs on the Church Times jobsite

Forthcoming Events

Church Times Festival of Faith and Music 2026

10 October 2026

A joint event with RSCM. A one-day symposium at Southwark Cathedral celebrating church music in all its glory.

tickets available now

 

Church Times Festival of Preaching 2026

13 - 15 September 2026

An event to inspire, nurture, and celebrate all who are called to proclaim the gospel today.

tickets available now


Public Faith Common Good  a day symposium at St John’s College Cambridge, Tuesday 21 July 2026

Speakers to include the former Archbishop of Canterbury Lord Williams; the Bishop of Chelmsford, Dr Guli Francis-Deqhani, Nick Spencer, and Anna Rowlands.

This event is free, but booking is required. Find out more at elydatabase.org/events

Church Times is delighted to be a sponsor at the above event. 

 

Save the dates - details coming soon:


Church Times/Canterbury Press Advent Retreat - with Rebecca Stephens, Richard Carter, Alison Jack and Paula Gooder - online only
Saturday 21st November 2026

Visit our Events page for upcoming and past events

 

 

 

Welcome to the Church Times

To explore the Church Times website fully, please sign in or subscribe.

New to us? Non-subscribers can read up to four free articles a month. Simply sign up for a free account to receive the Church Times newsletter, plus exclusive offers and events, straight to your inbox. As a thank you for joining us, we are also currently offering a £5 discount for the Church House Bookshop online (valid for one order of £30 or more). See your welcome email for details.