- March 6, 2026
The Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet St. Louis Province raise a clear and unwavering moral voice: violence is not the Gospel response.
We stand with Pope Leo XIV, who issued a forceful appeal to end the escalating violence, as the United States, Israel and Iran continue to exchange missile strikes and threats of further escalation. Warning of the risk of "a tragedy of enormous proportions," Pope Leo called on all countries involved in the conflict to "assume the moral responsibility of stopping the spiral of violence before it becomes an irreparable abyss." (St. Peter's Square, March 1)
"Stability and peace is not built with reciprocal threats nor with weapons that sow destruction, pain and death," the Pope said, "but only through a reasonable, authentic, responsible dialogue."
Pope Leo also called for diplomacy to "regain its role and promote the good of peoples who yearn for peaceful coexistence based on justice."
"Let diplomacy silence the weapons, let nations chart their future with works of peace, not with violence and bloody conflicts. And let us continue to pray for peace." (Quotes from National Catholic Reporter, March 1)
Let us join Pope Leo XIV in praying for peace and a swift end to the violence in the region. May our prayers for peace also include our own deepening understanding of who we are as vessels of God’s unifying love and peace in the world, as we serve the dear neighbors without distinction in our midst.