On Tuesday morning, the gardens and grounds of the Apostolic Palace of Castel Gandolfo once again became the epicenter of international news. What began at the start of his pontificate as a spontaneous gesture has now become a regular fixture for the press: the Tuesday “street interview,” just before Pope Leo XIV begins his return to Vatican City. This time, surrounded by dozens of correspondents from the world’s leading news networks, the Holy Father addressed the most pressing issues on the global agenda head-on, leaving a headline that is already circulating in foreign ministries: a firm endorsement of the historic and recent diplomatic understanding between the United States and Iran.

The turning point in the Middle East: “Give thanks to God”

The atmosphere of anticipation was palpable. After months of mounting tensions in the Middle East, questions about the provisional peace memorandum reached between Washington and Tehran were inevitable. Leo XIV was emphatic and, with visible relief, invited everyone to “give thanks to God” for this step.

“I hope it is truly a solution to the war, that the war has really ended and that we can move forward,” the Pope said matter-of-factly.

True to the Holy See’s diplomatic framework and in accordance with its teachings, the Pope reiterated that negotiation and diplomacy at the negotiating table are always preferable to multi-billion dollar investments in the arms industry. For Leo XIV, this agreement must now translate into lasting commitments that will alleviate the suffering of the affected populations, redirecting resources toward humanitarian purposes.

His assessment of his trip to Spain: “The people were very happy, and I was certainly happy.”

Another major focus for journalists was the Holy Father’s recent apostolic journey to Spain, which took place between June 6 and 12. When questioned by Spanish journalists about his assessment of his stay in the Iberian country, the Pope expressed his profound gratitude. He wanted to acknowledge the immense effort of the bishops, priests, ecclesial movements, lay people, and especially the volunteers who made the complex logistics of the trip possible.

When asked about the politically charged messages he delivered during his historic address to the Congress of Deputies in Madrid, and the current polarization, Leo XIV chose to maintain a dignified, institutional demeanor. He avoided any partisan commentary and preferred to focus on the core of his proposal: the urgent need to overcome the dynamics of confrontation and denigration. His prescription for the Spanish—and global—reality remains the same: actively listening to others, sincere dialogue, and placing the inalienable dignity of the human person at the heart of any agreement.

Migration, the Society of Saint Pius X and the horizon of America

The dialogue with international correspondents did not shy away from internal Church issues or the human tragedies collateral to political crises. During the conversation, direct questions were raised about the management and reception of migratory flows in Europe, a topic on which the Pope insisted on the need to combine security with compassion and social justice, a common thread that also marked his speeches on Spanish soil.

Likewise, when asked about the current state of relations and matters of order with the Society of Saint Pius X (the so-called Lefebvrists), the Pontiff maintained a position of prudence and a search for communion.

The day’s touch of spontaneity came from across the Atlantic. When unexpectedly questioned by the Latin American press about a possible visit to the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico, and whether it might materialize next year, Leo XIV smiled and replied warmly,  “We’ll see .” Seconds later, leaving the door open to the hopes of millions of the faithful, he added,  “I hope it won’t be too long . “