Pope Leo XIV Condemns 'Delusion of Omnipotence' in US-Israeli War on Iran
In his most powerful statement to date, Pope Leo XIV has denounced what he termed the "delusion of omnipotence" that is fueling the ongoing US-Israeli military campaign in Iran. The pontiff demanded that political leaders immediately cease hostilities and engage in serious peace negotiations.
Strong Words During Evening Vigil
Leo presided over an evening prayer service at St. Peter's Basilica on Saturday, delivering his message as the United States and Iran began face-to-face negotiations in Pakistan under a fragile ceasefire. The first US-born pope in history did not mention the United States or President Donald Trump by name in his prepared prayer, which had been scheduled before the talks were announced. However, his tone and content appeared directly aimed at Trump and American officials who have consistently boasted about US military superiority while framing the conflict in religious terms.
"Enough of the idolatry of self and money!" Leo declared passionately. "Enough of the display of power! Enough of war!"
Diplomatic Presence and Escalating Criticism
The basilica pews included the archbishop of Tehran, Belgian Cardinal Dominique Joseph Mathieu, while the United States was represented by its deputy chief of mission, Laura Hochla, according to the US Embassy. This diplomatic presence underscored the global significance of the Vatican's intervention.
During the initial weeks of the conflict, the Chicago-born pope had been somewhat reluctant to publicly condemn the violence, limiting his comments to muted appeals for peace and dialogue. However, Leo significantly escalated his criticism beginning on Palm Sunday. Earlier this week, he described Trump's threat to annihilate Iranian civilization as "truly unacceptable" and called for dialogue to prevail over military action.
Call for Global Prayer and Action
On Saturday, Leo called upon all people of good will to pray for peace and demand an end to the war from their political leaders. The evening vigil in Rome featured Scripture readings and meditative recitation of the Rosary prayers, coinciding with simultaneous local prayer services being held across the United States and beyond.
Leo emphasized that praying for peace represented a vital way to "break the demonic cycle of evil" and instead build the Kingdom of God, where there would be no swords, drones, or "unjust profit." He stated, "It is here that we find a bulwark against that delusion of omnipotence that surrounds us and is becoming increasingly unpredictable and aggressive. Even the holy Name of God, the God of life, is being dragged into discourses of death."
Religion and Warfare
Political and military leaders have repeatedly invoked religion to justify their actions in the conflict. US officials, particularly Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, have referenced their Christian faith to portray the United States as a Christian nation determined to vanquish its adversaries. Leo has consistently countered this narrative, asserting that God does not bless any war, and certainly not those who drop bombs.
The pope presided over the service seated on a white throne to the side of the altar, wearing his formal red cape and liturgical stole while praying with a Rosary in his hands. Many priests and nuns in attendance fingered Rosary beads as they recited the "Our Father" and "Hail Mary" prayers.
Broader Regional Concerns
The Vatican has expressed particular concern about the potential spillover effects of Israel's war against Hezbollah in Lebanon, especially regarding the plight of Christian communities in southern regions. This broader regional instability adds urgency to the pope's calls for de-escalation and diplomatic resolution.
