Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

Pope Francis has described the recent escalation of conflict in the Middle East as "unacceptable," following increased airstrikes between Israel and Hezbollah. The violence has resulted in significant casualties, with Israeli missiles reportedly killing hundreds in Lebanon.

"I am saddened by the news from Lebanon, where in recent days the intense bombings have claimed many victims and caused destruction," Pope Francis stated at the end of his general audience on September 25. "I hope that the international community will make every effort to stop this terrible escalation. It is unacceptable."

The conflict intensified on September 21 when Israeli forces launched a series of airstrikes against Hezbollah, an Islamist militant group based in Lebanon. According to Lebanon's health ministry, over 550 people have been killed since then, including 50 children.

On September 25, the Israeli military announced it had intercepted and shot down a Hezbollah missile aimed at Tel Aviv — marking the group's farthest-reaching attack in its ongoing conflict with Israel. Although several missiles were previously fired at northern Israel by Hezbollah, most were intercepted without causing injuries.

"I express my closeness to the Lebanese people, who have already suffered too much in the recent past," Pope Francis said during his audience. "And let us pray for everyone, for all the peoples who suffer as a result of war: let us not forget tormented Ukraine, Myanmar, Palestine, Israel, Sudan, all the suffering peoples. Let us pray for peace."

In a joint statement issued on September 24 during their attendance at the U.N. General Assembly in New York, Egypt, Jordan and Iraq accused Israel of "pushing the region toward a comprehensive war."

Caritas Lebanon reported on September 25 that around 21,000 people had fled their homes within the previous 24 hours seeking safety. The organization is providing essential services such as shelter, food, medical care and psychological support to those displaced.

Lebanon’s foreign minister Abdallah Bou Habib stated that approximately 500,000 people had been displaced due to increased Israeli strikes.