Pope Leo XIV Amplifies Condemnation of US-Israeli War with Iran
Pope Leo XIV has significantly intensified his condemnation of the ongoing U.S.-Israeli military conflict with Iran, delivering a powerful message during a gathering of top bishops in Rome. On Friday, the pontiff declared that "God does not bless any conflict" and emphasised that divine favour does not align with those who engage in warfare, particularly through actions like dropping bombs.
Strong Words Against Violence and Justifications for War
Speaking to leaders of the Chaldean Catholic Church, an Eastern Rite church with roots in Iraq, Pope Leo described the current global landscape as marked by "senseless and inhuman violence." He specifically referenced regions of early Christianity that have been "desecrated by the blasphemy of war and the brutality of business, with no regard for people’s lives." The pope asserted that no cause can justify the spilling of innocent blood and urged the bishops to proclaim clearly that God does not support any conflict.
To reinforce this message, the Vatican posted the quote on Pope Leo's official @Pontifex account on X, ensuring widespread dissemination. This comes as U.S. officials, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, have invoked Christian faith to justify the war, portraying the U.S. as a Christian nation combating its adversaries. Initially issuing muted appeals for peace, Pope Leo has escalated his criticism since Palm Sunday, stating that God does not listen to the prayers of those who make war.
Specific Criticisms and Calls for Dialogue
This week, the pope labelled President Donald Trump's threat to annihilate Iranian civilization as "truly unacceptable" and called for dialogue to prevail. The Vatican is particularly concerned about the spillover effects of Israel's war against Hezbollah in Lebanon, given the vulnerable situation of Christian communities in the south. In response, Pope Leo will preside over a special vigil prayer for peace in St. Peter's Basilica on Saturday, an event organised prior to the announcement of high-level U.S.-Iran talks set to begin in Pakistan.
Addressing Reports of Strained Vatican-U.S. Relations
Despite the pope's increasingly critical stance, both the Holy See and the U.S. government moved on Friday to downplay suggestions of frayed relations. These suggestions were fueled by a news report alleging a contentious meeting in January between the Pentagon and the Vatican’s outgoing ambassador to Washington, Cardinal Christophe Pierre. The Vatican issued a rare official comment, stating that Pierre’s attendance was part of his "regular duties and provided an opportunity to exchange views on matters of mutual interest." It added that claims of acrimony "do not correspond to the truth in any way." The U.S. Embassy to the Holy See quickly expressed gratitude for the Vatican's clarification.
Spiritual Renewal for the Chaldean Catholic Church
The gathering also focused on the Chaldean Catholic Church, which represents over a million Aramaic-speaking Christians primarily from Iraq. Its top clerics are electing a new patriarch to replace Iraqi Cardinal Louis Sako, 76, who retired on March 11. On the same day, Pope Leo accepted the resignation of U.S.-based Chaldean Bishop Emanuel Shaleta, who had pleaded not guilty to 16 felony counts of embezzling $270,000 from his California parish.
In his address, Pope Leo acknowledged the challenges faced by the Chaldean Church in recent years and thanked Sako for his "significant contributions." He called for a period of "spiritual renewal," emphasising adherence to faith, preservation of tradition, and observance of obedience and chastity. The pope urged transparency in administration, sobriety in media use, and prudence in public statements to strengthen ecclesial communion and the church's witness.
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