Pope Leo XIV Condemns Use of Religion to Justify Iran Conflict

Pope Leo XIV has intensified his criticism of the U.S.-Israeli military operations in Iran, emphasizing that "God does not bless any conflict." In a recent social media post, the Pope stated, "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." He further asserted that military action will not create space for freedom or peace, which comes only from the patient promotion of coexistence and dialogue among peoples.

The Pope's remarks appear to address the Trump administration's use of religious language to justify the conflict. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has described the military actions as a holy war carried out "in the name of Jesus Christ." Hegseth, known for his association with Christian nationalism, compared the rescue of a downed pilot during Easter weekend to the resurrection of Jesus Christ, stating, "Shot down on a Friday, Good Friday, hidden in a cave, a crevice, all of Saturday and rescued on Sunday, flown out of Iran as the sun was rising on Easter Sunday, a pilot reborn. All home and accounted for. A nation rejoicing. God is good."

Pope Leo XIV also condemned the violence affecting sacred places in the Christian East, stating that they have been "profaned by the blasphemy of war and the brutality of business, with no regard for people's lives, which are considered at most collateral damage of self-interest." He emphasized that no gain can be worth the life of the weakest, children, or families, and that no cause can justify the shedding of innocent blood.

The Pope's consistent opposition to the conflict underscores his commitment to peace and dialogue, urging leaders to seek non-violent solutions and to refrain from using religious rhetoric to justify military actions.