In his strongest words yet, Pope Leo XIV on Saturday, April 11, denounced the “deception of omnipotence” fueling the war between the United States and Israel in Iran.
The Pope urged political leaders to stop fighting and start negotiating for peace.
The American-born pope led the evening vigil at St. Peter’s Basilica on the same day direct talks between U.S. and Iranian representatives in Pakistan began.
Although Pope did not specifically mention President Donald, his message appeared to be a direct attack on American officials who boasted of American military superiority and justified war on religious grounds.
Leo stated: “Enough idolatry of oneself and money!”
“Enough display of power! Enough war!” he added.
Praying for peace, he further said to “break the demonic cycle of evil” and build a kingdom without swords, drones or “unjust benefits.”
In the first weeks of the war, the Pope showed initial hesitation in publicly condemning the war. However, in recent weeks he has intensified his criticism.
Condemning Trump’s threat to eradicate the entire “Iranian civilization,” he said it is truly unacceptable.
On Saturday he warned that “even the holy Name of God, the God of life, is being fragmented into speeches of death.”
The comment was made after US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth invoked the Christian faith to justify the war.
Previously, he stated that God does not bless any war and “certainly not those who drop bombs.”
