The Pope has spoken out in opposition to wars around the globe.
Pope Leo (Picture: Getty)
Pope Leo has raged “sufficient of battle” and condemned the “the idolatry of self and cash” in an obvious swipe at President Donald Trump. The pontiff delivered his strongest condemnation but of the US-Israeli battle in Iran, warning of the “delusion of omnipotence” he believes is driving the battle.
Talking throughout a night peace vigil at St Peter’s Basilica in Vatican Metropolis on Saturday, the primary US-born pope issued a direct attraction to world leaders to cease the preventing and return to negotiations. His remarks got here as US and Iranian delegations met face-to-face in Pakistan in an effort to protect a fragile ceasefire. Though Pope Leo didn’t instantly point out the US, Iran, Israel or Donald Trump by title, his feedback appeared aimed toward leaders who’ve justified navy motion in spiritual phrases. Addressing political leaders, he mentioned: “To them we cry out: cease! It’s time for peace! Sit on the desk of dialogue and mediation – not on the desk the place rearmament is deliberate and lethal actions are determined.”
The Pope added: “Sufficient of the idolatry of self and cash! Sufficient of the show of energy! Sufficient of battle! True energy is proven in serving life.”
Leo additionally warned in opposition to what he known as “that delusion of omnipotence that surrounds us and is changing into more and more unpredictable and aggressive”.
He mentioned: “Even the holy Title of God, the God of life, is being dragged into discourses of dying.”
The feedback are prone to be interpreted as a pointed criticism of senior US figures together with Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, who has beforehand described the battle in spiritual phrases.
Based on stories, Hegseth has forged the battle as a sacred battle, describing the assault on Iran as a holy battle carried out “within the title of Jesus Christ”.
The Pope’s remarks got here after he had already intensified his criticism in latest weeks. Earlier this month, he mentioned Donald Trump’s reported risk to “annihilate” Iranian civilisation was “really unacceptable”.
God doesn’t bless any battle. Anybody who’s a disciple of Christ, the Prince of Peace, is rarely on the facet of those that as soon as wielded the sword and in the present day drop bombs. Army motion is not going to create house for freedom or occasions of #Peace, which comes solely from the affected person…
— Pope Leo XIV (@Pontifex) April 10, 2026
On Friday, Pope Leo wrote on X: “God doesn’t bless any battle. Anybody who’s a disciple of Christ, the Prince of Peace, is rarely on the facet of those that as soon as wielded the sword and in the present day drop bombs.”
He added: “Army motion is not going to create house for freedom or occasions of #Peace, which comes solely from the affected person promotion of coexistence and dialogue amongst peoples.”
The Pope additionally condemned the unfold of violence throughout Christian holy websites within the Center East.
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He wrote: “No acquire may be definitely worth the lifetime of the weakest, kids, or households. No trigger can justify the shedding of harmless blood.”
Amongst these attending the vigil in St Peter’s Basilica have been Tehran’s archbishop, Belgian Cardinal Dominique Joseph Mathieu, and Laura Hochla, deputy chief of mission on the US Embassy to the Holy See.
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