Pope Leo XIV issued a strong condemnation of war on Friday, rejecting claims that military action enjoys divine support. He criticized rhetoric framing the ongoing Iran conflict as blessed by God, emphasizing that true peace comes through dialogue. The statement pushes back against U.S. leaders invoking faith to justify the war.
Pope Leo XIV wrote on X that “God does not bless any conflict.” He added, “Anyone who is a disciple of Christ, the Prince of Peace, is never on the side of those who once wielded the sword and today drop bombs.” The pontiff argued that military force cannot achieve peace or freedom, which arise only from promoting coexistence and dialogue among peoples. He did not name specific leaders in the post. The remarks follow earlier criticisms from Leo. He had called President Donald Trump's recent threat to destroy Iranian civilization “truly unacceptable” and warned that the Middle East conflict is “only provoking more hatred.” During a Palm Sunday mass, Leo told thousands that God “does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war, but rejects them.” U.S. officials have invoked religion amid the Iran war, which saw a temporary ceasefire on Tuesday after six weeks of fighting. Trump, who identifies as Christian but not Catholic, told reporters on Monday that he believes God supports the war “because God is good” and wants to “see people taken care of.” Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, also Christian but not Catholic, read a prayer at a Pentagon service calling for violence against enemies: “Let every round find its mark against the enemies of righteousness and our great nation.”
