Pope Leo XIV has sternly criticized the United States’ and Israel’s continued military operations against Iran, saying that faith cannot justify violence and declaring that “God does not bless any conflict.”
In a statement released on his official X account on Friday, the pontiff distanced Christianity from modern combat, saying that followers of Jesus Christ, whom he referred to as the “Prince of Peace,” should not advocate violence.
“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 wrote.
The words come as tensions in the Middle East rise, following a spate of strikes on Iranian targets that have fueled worries of a larger regional conflict.
Rejecting assertions that military intervention would promote democracy or stability, the Pope stated that “military action will not create space for freedom or times of peace,” emphasizing that long-term peace can only be reached via continued diplomatic efforts.
He went on to say that the route forward is “patient promotion of coexistence and dialogue among peoples.”
However, the Vatican’s position differs from Washington’s. Pete Hegseth, the US Secretary of War, has defended the campaign with theological rhetoric, calling the strikes a “holy necessity.”
During a prayer session at the Pentagon, Hegseth asked for heavenly help for US forces to carry out what he described as “overwhelming violence of action.” He reportedly described the offensive as part of a larger purpose based on biblical notions of justice and revenge.
“Let every round find its mark against the enemies of righteousness and our great nation,” he said.
The opposing viewpoints show a growing ideological gap between the Vatican and the governments of Washington and Tel Aviv, which have defended the strikes as necessary for regional security.
The Pope’s statement has grabbed popularity on social media, with many reading it as a clear criticism of the use of armed force to resolve complicated geopolitical problems.
