Pope Leo XIV delivered his strongest criticism yet of the war involving the United States, Israel and Iran, using a Saturday prayer vigil at St. Peter’s Basilica to urge leaders to abandon violence and pursue peace. His Iran war remarks came on April 11, the same day direct U.S.-Iran talks opened in Islamabad.
The Chicago-born pope warned against what he called the “delusion of omnipotence” that fuels war. He also condemned the glorification of power and money, telling political leaders to stop fighting and start negotiating. AP reported that his message marked a sharper public stance after weeks of more cautious criticism.
At the peace vigil, Pope Leo called for an end to war and urged people to break what he described as a destructive cycle of evil. He said the world must reject the display of force and build peace without weapons, drones or unjust profit.
His remarks aligned with earlier Vatican appeals for a ceasefire and dialogue. In the days before the vigil, Vatican News and the Holy See press office had already announced the event as a public call for peace amid delicate diplomatic efforts.
'Enough of the idolatry of self and money
Enough of the display of power
Enough of war'
Pope Leo XIV https://t.co/qxtIoovRnb pic.twitter.com/sstrNYMlrt
— RT (@RT_com) April 11, 2026Pope Criticises the Use of Religion to Justify War
The pope did not name President Donald Trump directly, but framed his message as a rebuke of officials who justify war through claims of military superiority or religious language. It also says he objected to rhetoric threatening Iranian civilisation and criticised efforts to invoke God in support of bombing campaigns.
AP similarly reported that Leo condemned the use of religion to defend warfare and intensified his criticism after U.S. officials, including Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, used Christian language around the conflict.
The pope spoke as U.S. and Iranian representatives began direct talks in Pakistan over a fragile ceasefire and the broader regional crisis. That timing gave his message added weight, especially as diplomacy and military escalation continued side by side.
Read: Islamabad US-Iran Talks Begin After Lebanon Hurdle Eases
His intervention also reinforced the Vatican’s effort to position moral pressure alongside formal diplomacy. By linking war to pride, profit and the misuse of faith, Leo framed the conflict not only as a geopolitical crisis but also as a spiritual and humanitarian failure.
In recent weeks, Pope Leo has steadily increased his criticism of the war. Earlier statements called for a ceasefire, dialogue and protection for civilians, but the April 11 vigil marked a more pointed condemnation of the forces driving the conflict.
That shift suggests the Vatican now sees public moral clarity as necessary alongside diplomacy. As talks continue, Leo’s message leaves little doubt about where he stands: leaders must stop invoking power and start pursuing peace
