MALABO — Pope Leo XIV led a Holy Mass at Malabo Stadium on Thursday, concluding an 11-day apostolic journey to Africa, and called on U.S. and Iranian leaders to revive diplomatic efforts to end the war. His pontifical tour of four African countries ended with a Mass for thousands of people in Malabo, the former capital of Equatorial Guinea.

Leo expressed frustration that U.S. and Iranian leaders have not been able to get diplomatic efforts to end the war back on track. "One day Iran says 'yes,' the United States says 'no,' and vice versa," he said.

He described uncertainty over where negotiations were heading. "We don't know where this is going to lead, which has created again this chaotic situation, critical for the world economy," Leo said.

A fragile ceasefire has been in place since April 8. The truce was being tested by a standoff over the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway between Iran and Oman through which up to 20% of the world's oil supply is shipped. The strait was effectively shut down in early March after Iran imposed a blockade on the waterway and the U.S. barred ships from entering or exiting Iranian ports.

The pope also pointed to the human toll of the conflict. "There is also the entire population of Iran, of innocent people who are suffering because of this war," he said.

He addressed the moral dimensions of state action during wartime. "So when a regime, when a country, takes decisions which takes away the lives of other people unjustly then obviously that is something that should be condemned," Leo said. He said he condemns capital punishment and the taking of people's lives.

Leo drew President Donald Trump's ire by advocating for an end to the war with Iran. Asked about that friction, he said, "Not in my interest at all to debate the U.S. president."