In his strongest words yet, Pope Leo XIV on Saturday, April 11, condemned the “delusion of omnipotence” fueling the war between the United States and Israel in Iran.
The Pope called on the political leaders to stop fighting and start negotiating for peace.
The American-born pontiff presided over the evening vigil at St. Peter’s Basilica on the same day as the start of direct talks between representatives of the United States and Iran in Pakistan.
Although Pope did not specifically mention President Donald Trump, his message appeared to be a direct attack on US officials who have boasted of US military superiority and justified the war on religious grounds.
Leo argued, “Enough of the idolatry of self and money!”
“Enough of display of power! Enough of war!” he added.
He prayed for peace and further said to “break the demonic cycle of evil” and build a kingdom without swords, drones or “unjust profit.”
In the first weeks of the war, the Pope showed initial reluctance to publicly condemn the war. In recent weeks, however, he has stepped up his criticism.
He condemned Trump’s threat to wipe out the entire “Iranian civilization” and said it is truly unacceptable.
On Saturday, he warned that “even the holy name of God, the God of life, is being divided into speeches of death.”
The comment was made after US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth invoked Christian faith to justify the war.
Earlier he said that God does not bless any war and “at least not those who throw bombs.”
