Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, a prominent religious leader in Kashmir, expressed strong support for Pope Leo's recent stance on war during his address at the historic Jama Masjid in Srinagar. He urged religious leaders globally to unite in advocating for peace and justice, particularly in light of the severe crises affecting the Middle East, including Iran, Lebanon, and Palestine. Mirwaiz highlighted the ongoing suffering and displacement of innocent lives due to conflicts, notably criticizing the aggression by Israel, which he claims is supported by the United States despite commitments to ceasefire. He emphasized that the upcoming Hajj pilgrimage should serve as a collective moment for Muslims to pray for peace and justice. Furthermore, he called for the resolution of the Palestinian occupation, stating that it is fundamental to achieving lasting peace in the region. Mirwaiz also acknowledged the commendable diplomatic efforts by Pakistan and allies like Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, and Egypt to promote peace and stability in the region.