Pope Leo XIV Condemns President Trump's Threat Against Iran

Pope Leo XIV has condemned U.S. President Donald Trump's recent threat to destroy Iranian civilization, labeling it "truly unacceptable" and a violation of international law. Speaking from his residence in Castel Gandolfo, south of Rome, the Pope emphasized the moral and legal implications of targeting civilian infrastructure. He urged individuals to contact their political leaders and congressional representatives to advocate for peace and reject war.

The Pope's remarks were in response to President Trump's statement that "a whole civilization will die tonight" if Iran fails to meet the latest deadline to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Pope Leo XIV reiterated his Easter appeal for peace, highlighting the escalating nature of the conflict and its failure to resolve underlying issues. He called on people of goodwill to remind their leaders that attacks on civilian infrastructure are against international law and reflect the destructive capabilities of humanity.

This condemnation marks a significant departure from the Vatican's traditional diplomatic neutrality, with the Pope directly addressing the actions of a political leader. The Vatican has also expressed concern over the conflict's spillover into Lebanon, particularly regarding the safety of Christians in the region.