Pope Leo XIV has publicly expressed his fervent hope that the ongoing military conflict involving the United States and Israel against Iran could be brought to a peaceful conclusion before the arrival of Easter. The pontiff made these impassioned remarks to journalists as he departed the papal retreat at Castel Gandolfo, located just outside Rome, on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.
A Call for De-escalation and Peace
The Pope, who was born in the United States, referenced recent statements from President Trump indicating a desire to end the hostilities. "I'm told that President Trump has recently stated that he would like to end the war," Pope Leo XIV noted. "I hope that he's looking for an off-ramp." He elaborated further, emphasizing the critical need to reduce the intensity of the conflict. "Hopefully he's looking for a way to decrease the amount of violence, of bombing, which would be a significant contribution to removing the hatred that's being created, that's increasing constantly in the Middle East and elsewhere."
Holy Week Appeal for Global Leaders
Pope Leo XIV issued a direct appeal to all world leaders, urging them to return to diplomatic discussions and actively seek "ways to reduce the amount of violence." His ultimate wish is that "peace, especially at Easter, might reign in our hearts." These comments were delivered during Holy Week, the most sacred period in the Christian calendar, a time traditionally dedicated to reflection, sacrifice, and renewal.
"It should be the holiest time of the year. It is a time of peace, a time of reflection. But as we all know, again, in the world, in many places we are seeing so much suffering, so many deaths, even innocent children," the Pope stated with evident sorrow. "We constantly make the call for peace, but unfortunately, many people want to promote hatred, violence, war."
Condemnation of Religious Justification for War
On the preceding Palm Sunday, during a Mass held in St. Peter's Square, the pontiff delivered a powerful message, asserting that God does not heed the prayers of those who wage war or invoke divine authority to justify their acts of violence. He offered special prayers for Christians residing in the Middle East amidst the turmoil.
This theme resonates deeply as leaders from various sides of the Iran conflict have employed religious rhetoric to validate their military actions. U.S. officials, notably Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, have invoked their Christian faith to frame the war as a righteous struggle by a Christian nation against its adversaries. Similarly, Russia's Orthodox Church has characterized Russia's invasion of Ukraine as a "holy war" against a Western world it perceives as morally corrupt.
Papal Observances During Holy Week
As Holy Week progresses, Pope Leo XIV will participate in several significant liturgical traditions. On Holy Thursday, he will perform the foot-washing ceremony at the Basilica of St. John Lateran, continuing a practice upheld by popes for decades. Good Friday will see him preside over the solemn procession at Rome's Colosseum, commemorating the Passion and crucifixion of Christ, during which he will personally carry the cross.
The late-night Easter Vigil on Saturday will follow, where the Pope will baptize new converts to Catholicism. Shortly thereafter, on Easter Sunday, Christians worldwide will celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. Pope Leo XIV will celebrate Easter Sunday Mass in the vast expanse of St. Peter's Square and will subsequently deliver his traditional Easter blessing from the loggia of the basilica, a moment watched by millions globally.
