Pope Leo XIV condemns war, rejects claims of divine backing

Pope Leo XIV issued a strong denunciation of war on Friday, reinforcing his stance that military action cannot achieve peace or freedom. This statement comes as the Trump administration, along with other leaders, employs religious justification for the U.S.-Israel conflict in Iran.

“God does not bless any conflict,” wrote Leo on X. “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 argued that military force fails to bring about peace or freedom, which “comes only from the patient promotion of coexistence and dialogue among peoples.” In his message on X, Leo refrained from directly naming President Donald Trump or other leaders.

Trump, identifying as a Christian but not Catholic, has frequently used faith to justify his actions during his tenure.

On Monday, Trump told reporters at a White House briefing that he believes God endorses the Iran war “because God is good” and desires to “see people taken care of.”

Previously, Leo had criticized Trump’s earlier threat to obliterate Iranian civilization.

He deemed the threat “truly unacceptable” and warned that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East “is only provoking more hatred.”

During a Palm Sunday mass, Leo declared that no one could invoke God to legitimize war, addressing the tens of thousands present by saying that God “does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war, but rejects them.”

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has presented the Iran war, which saw a temporary ceasefire on Tuesday after six weeks of hostilities, as divinely approved, frequently turning to prayer and asserting that God supports the U.S. military.

In a Pentagon church service conducted weeks into the Iran conflict, Hegseth, who is also a Christian but not Catholic, recited a prayer calling for violence against military adversaries.

“Let every round find its mark against the enemies of righteousness and our great nation,” he prayed during the livestreamed service. “Give them wisdom in every decision, endurance for the trial ahead, unbreakable unity, and overwhelming violence of action against those who deserve no mercy.”