Pope Leo XIV Criticizes U.S.-Israeli War in Iran

Pope Leo XIV delivered a forceful condemnation of the U.S.-Israeli war in Iran during an evening prayer vigil at St. Peter's Basilica on April 11, 2026. The first U.S.-born pope did not name President Donald Trump or the United States but appeared to criticize their military actions and religious justifications for the conflict.

The pontiff denounced what he called a 'delusion of omnipotence' fueling the war, according to multiple reports. During the service, Pope Leo said, 'Enough of the idolatry of self and money! Enough of the display of power! Enough of war!' He called on people of goodwill to pray for peace and demand an end to the conflict from their political leaders.

Pope Leo has increasingly spoken out against the conflict since Palm Sunday. Earlier in the week, he called Trump's threat to annihilate Iranian civilization 'truly unacceptable' and emphasized that God does not bless any war, especially those involving bombing campaigns. The Vatican expressed particular concern about the spillover of Israel's war against Hezbollah in Lebanon, which threatens Christian communities in the south.

The prayer service coincided with direct talks between Vice President JD Vance, senior envoy Steve Witkoff, and Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner with Iranian leaders in Pakistan. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had invoked Christian faith to portray the U.S. as a Christian nation battling its enemies, which Pope Leo criticized as dragging 'the holy Name of God' into discourses of death.

President Donald Trump accused Pope Leo XIV of being 'terrible' on foreign policy due to his anti-war comments. According to Fox News, Trump stated that Pope Leo is 'weak on crime.' He also expressed a preference for the pope's brother, Louis, stating that 'Louis is all MAGA.' The White House defended Trump's actions, asserting that all of his foreign policy moves have made the world safer and more prosperous.

As reported by The Guardian, Pope Leo offered his homily at the tomb of St. Peter during a prayer vigil announced in his Easter Urbi et Orbi message. He was joined by parishes on every continent, with thousands attending St. Peter’s Basilica for an evening of rosary and meditation.

In posts on X and during the prayer vigil, Pope Leo also warned that war 'divides' while hope and faith unite humanity. He quoted Pope Francis's final words from a year ago, warning of a 'globalization of indifference' and noting the 'great thirst for death' witnessed in global conflicts.

Trump lashed out at Pope Leo XIV over his criticism of the war in Iran, claiming that the American was named pontiff because the Church sought to curry favor with his administration. Trump suggested that if he weren't in the White House, Leo wouldn't be in the Vatican. He also said that Pope Leo should 'get his act together' and stop catering to the Radical Left.

Trump's remarks drew immediate criticism from Catholics, with one expert comparing the comments to the Pope's relationship with fascist dictators during World War II. The pope has used numerous public addresses to denounce global conflicts and urge de-escalation in the Middle East.

The ongoing war of words between President Trump and Pope Leo XIV is unprecedented in modern history. While it's not new for popes to speak out on political issues, historians note that Trump's insults toward the pope are without precedent. The direct nature of Pope Leo's responses, as well as his status as the first American pope, have influenced how the public interprets this exchange.

Pope Leo XIV warned of the risk of democracies sliding into 'majoritarian tyranny,' in a letter issued by the Vatican two days after U.S. President Donald Trump attacked the pontiff on social media. The first American pope, writing to participants of a Vatican meeting about the use of power in democratic societies, stated that democracies remain healthy only when rooted in moral values.

In a forceful speech during his tour of Africa, Pope Leo blasted violations of international law by 'neocolonial' world powers, hours after Trump's direct attack on the leader of the 1.4-billion-member Church. Experts said Leo’s comments indicate that he wants to serve as a counterweight on the world stage to Trump and his foreign policy aims.

Pope Leo paid homage to St. Augustine of Hippo in Algeria, highlighting a personal connection to a major figure of the early Church who proposed criteria for just wars. Pope Leo affirmed his commitment to speaking out against war, emphasizing peace, dialogue, and cooperation between nations during his African tour.

Vice President JD Vance suggested that the pope should be cautious when discussing matters of theology. Many Republicans have stayed quiet or urged the president to leave the church alone. However, House Speaker Mike Johnson backed Vance and the president.