Pope calls for peace and dialogue as protests continue in Iran January 12, 2026By Junno Arocho Esteves OSV News Filed Under: Uncategorized As anti-government protests in Iran continue despite an internet blackout and the use of lethal force against demonstrators, Pope Leo XIV expressed his concern over the escalating situation. After praying the Angelus prayer with pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square Jan. 11, Pope Leo said his thoughts turned “to the situation currently unfolding in the Middle East, especially in Iran and Syria,” where government forces clashed with Kurdish fighters in Aleppo. Pope Leo XIV speaks to visitors in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican as they gather to pray the Angelus prayer Jan. 11, 2026, the feast of the Baptism of the Lord. As anti-government protests in Iran continue despite an internet blackout and the use of lethal force against demonstrators, Pope Leo expressed his concern over the escalating situation. (CNS photo/Vatican Media) The pope lamented that “ongoing tensions continue to claim many lives.” “I hope and pray that dialogue and peace may be patiently nurtured in pursuit of the common good of the whole of society,” he said. While it was not the first time protests have erupted against the theocratic government, led by Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the current wave, which began in late December, was sparked by the country’s collapsing economy and record inflation. However, the widespread nature of the protests, which is the most significant threat to Khamenei’s rule in recent history, prompted a brutal crackdown by government forces. According to The Associated Press, the government’s crackdown has resulted in the deaths of at least 544 people. The number is likely higher, given the lack of information due to the country’s internet shutdown. Iran International, a U.K.-based news organization that covers news from Iran, said footage received from Iran shows dozens of dead bodies in body bags being held at various sites. “The most conservative estimates indicate that at least 2,000 people have been killed across Iran over the past 48 hours,” Iran International reported. The internet blackout is believed to have been enforced in part due to the exiled crown prince of Iran, Reza Pahlavi, who called for protests and issued specific calls to action, urging protesters to seize control of city centers and oust Khamenei. In a video statement posted on X, Pahlavi encouraged protesters, saying they were “on the verge of reclaiming our dear Iran from the Islamic Republic.” Calling the murder of demonstrators proof of the government’s “fear of a faster collapse and fall,” the exiled prince said the “freedom of Iran” was near and that the blood spilled on the ground of Iran’s immortal children guides us toward victory. “We are not alone. Global assistance will arrive soon as well. Wait for my next message. We will soon reclaim our dear Iran from the Islamic Republic and hold celebrations of freedom and victory everywhere in Iran,” he said. Read More Conflict in the Middle East Catholic sisters to host livestream prayer for peace as violence continues in Iran, Middle East Drone strike on Iraqi Catholic church complex reopens old wounds Cardinal Parolin questions whether missiles, bombs are solution to Iranian people’s aspirations Prayer, unity essential as conflict spreads to Gulf States, says apostolic vicar of region Amid U.S. and Israel-Iran war, Palestinian sisters find refuge in prayer at Jerusalem hospital Lebanese archbishop: Innocents are ‘paying the price’ of Middle East war Copyright © 2026 OSV News Print
