Pope Leo laments civilian, child deaths in Iran war 

VATICAN CITY: Pope Leo on has lamented the death of numerous civilians in the ongoing Iran war and also expressed closeness to people in Lebanon, saying the country, targeted by Israeli strikes, was going through a "great trial." Leo, the first US pope, called on pilgrims in his weekly audience in St Peter's Square to pray for peace. "Let us continue to pray for peace in Iran, and throughout the Middle East, especially for the many civilian victims, including many innocent children," said the pontiff.