Pope Leo has praised the interim deal between the United States and Iran to end the regional war in the Middle East, saying “thanks be to God” that the two powers are set to formalise their accord on Friday, Reuters reports.

Leo, who drew the ire of US President Donald Trump after criticising the Iran war, expresses hope that the deal will end the conflict for good.

“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,” the first American pope tells journalists outside his residence in Castel Gandolfo, Italy.

“I hope that it truly is a solution to the war, that the war really is over, and that we can move forward,” he adds.