Pope Leo XIV Denounces War and Rejects Religious Justifications for U.S.-Iran Conflict

Sat, 11 Apr 2026 09:43:00 +0200

Pope Leo XIV issued a strong condemnation of war on Friday, rejecting any notion that military actions have divine endorsement, particularly amid the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran. Speaking on X, he stated, 'God does not endorse any conflict,' urging Christians to reject violence and pursue peace through dialogue and coexistence. While not naming individuals, his remarks countered claims by President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who have invoked faith to support U.S. military efforts. Trump, during a White House press conference, asserted that God backs the war because 'God is good' and aims to care for people. Hegseth, at a Pentagon church service, prayed for 'overwhelming force' against enemies. Leo had previously called Trump's threat to obliterate Iranian civilization 'truly unacceptable,' warning it fuels more hatred. During Palm Sunday mass, he emphasized that God turns away from those who pray for war. The Iran conflict, which lasted six weeks before a tempo