“Thank God there is at least this memorandum,” Pope Leo XIV said this evening, when asked by journalists about the recent agreement between the United States and Iran outlining additional steps toward ending the war between the two countries.

“There will still be several points to be established,” the pope said, “but it is always better to do so through dialogue, through negotiation, rather than returning to war.”

The memorandum, the full text of which has not been published, was signed by U.S. President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance yesterday; it was also signed by Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. Israeli media revealed some details of the agreement today, including that the U.S.-Iran ceasefire would extend into Lebanon, talks would begin regarding Iran’s nuclear program and uranium stockpiles, the U.S. would lift its naval blockade and Iran would guarantee safe, free passage for commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz for 60 days.

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Leo expressed hope that the memorandum would “truly be a solution to the war, that the war is really over and that we can move forward for the good of all.” He called for the elimination of nuclear weapons and for the parties to solve the “economic and social level” problems “that have been created in this time.”

Pope Leo made his comments outside Castel Gandolfo, where he ordinarily spends his Tuesdays. Journalists had been alerted in advance that the pope might speak tonight after the expected in-flight press conference on Leo’s return flight to Rome from Spain on Friday, June 12, had to be cancelled. The papal plane had engine issues, and ultimately Pope Leo returned to Rome on Spanish King Felipe VI’s private jet while the journalists and some of the Vatican entourage traveled on a later flight.

Tonight at Castel Gandolfo, Leo prioritized speaking to the Spanish press, who would have had a privileged position in the in-flight press conference.

SSPX’s possible schism

An Italian journalist asked the pope about the traditionalist Society of St. Pius X, which has declared that it will illicitly ordain new bishops on July 1. The Vatican has warned the society that going forward with the ordinations would be a “schismatic act” that “entails excommunication.” Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernandez, prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, stated that the action would bring “grave consequences for the Fraternity as a whole.”

Pope Leo has appealed to the group to reconsider. Tonight he revealed that he is “considering making another appeal.”

“But,” he added, “it is their choice. We must realize what it means for them and for the church. Certainly, division among Christians is always a painful point, but they refuse to accept certain fundamental elements of the church, starting with various points of the Second Vatican Council.” He was referring to disagreements the SSPX has with Vatican II’s declarations on the liturgy, ecumenism, religious liberty and interreligious dialogue, among other aspects of the Council’s teaching.

“If they make that choice, I am sorry, but we must move forward,” he said.

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Spain visit and future travels

Asked by reporters about his visit to Spain, Leo praised the “enthusiastic responses” he had met and how “well-prepared” the trip was by various authorities and volunteers. “It was marvelous,” he said.

Speaking on political polarization in Spain, which he addressed in his speech to Spain’s parliament, Leo again stressed “the invitation to listen to each other and not always to criticize and insult one’s opposition without reaching agreements for the common good.”

He also referred to his time in the Canary Islands, a main entry point for migrants in Spain, and called again for migrants to be treated with dignity and respect.

“Many times we do not recognize the reasons why these people had to leave their countries,” he said. “So many reasons: violence, war, conflicts. And so simply saying, ‘Let’s send them away, so we can wash our hands of the problem’ does not seem to me the most Christian response. We must truly respect people—look at the cases, and above all treat people as people with respect.”

Asked about his future travels and the possibility of visits to Peru and Mexico, the pope simply said with a smile, “We’ll see.”

The pope also spoke briefly in response to a question about how he will spend his summer vacation; the Vatican ordinarily suspends a pope’s audiences for the months of July and August. “A little rest, a lot of reading, reflection, preparation for what comes next,” the pope replied. “There is always work as well.” When asked if he would rest, Leo joked, “Let’s hope so!”