Pope Leo says US-Iran accord is better than returning to war

Pope Leo welcomed the interim agreement between the United States and Iran, saying "thanks be to God" that the two countries are preparing to formalise their accord on Friday.

Speaking to reporters outside his residence in Castel Gandolfo, Italy, the pontiff said he hoped the agreement would bring a lasting end to the conflict.

"There will still be several points to settle, but it is always better to do so through dialogue, through negotiations, and not by returning to war," Leo said.

"I hope that it truly is a solution to the war, that the war really is over, and that we can move forward." The pope's remarks came after he had previously criticised the US-Israel war on Iran and called for a negotiated resolution.