Pope Leo XIV condemned the illusion of omnipotence and called for an end to the war in Iran
Pope Leo XIV issued his strongest statement since the start of the armed conflict, condemning the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran.
The pontiff emphasized that the hostilities are fueled by a dangerous “illusion of omnipotence” and called on world leaders to immediately cease fire.
In his address, as reported by Politico, the Pope did not directly name the U.S. president or other officials.
However, the content of his speech was clearly directed at Donald Trump and the U.S. leadership, who have repeatedly justified military aggression with religious motives and technological superiority.
“Enough of the idolatry of self and money! Enough of the display of power! Enough of war!” the pontiff declared emotionally during his speech.
During the first weeks of the conflict, Leo XIV maintained a restrained stance, limiting himself to general calls for peace.
However, as Easter approached, his criticism became significantly harsher; in particular, he called the U.S. president’s plans to destroy Iranian civilization “absolutely unacceptable.”
Pope Leo XIV called on believers around the world to pray for peace and actively demand that their governments put an end to the bloodshed.
He particularly emphasized that God cannot bless war, and that the use of religious rhetoric to justify bombings is a cynical distortion of faith.
According to the head of the Catholic Church, prayer is the only way to “break the demonic cycle of evil.”
He contrasted the idea of the Kingdom of God with the modern world, noting that in true spiritual life there is no place for swords, drones, or any “unjust gain.”
“It is here that we find a bulwark against the illusion of omnipotence that surrounds us and is becoming increasingly unpredictable and aggressive. Even the holy Name of God, the God of life, is being drawn into the rhetoric of death,” the pontiff concluded in his address.
Pope Leo XIV strongly condemned the war and addressed world leaders.
Earlier, Pope Leo had strongly condemned the airstrikes, calling them uncontrolled and something that should be banned. He repeated his call for an end to the war and emphasized a humanistic approach.
During his weekly audience in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Leo XIV addressed the global community with a call to end the bloodshed in Iran and Lebanon.
