Pope Leo XIV has issued his most forceful denunciation to date of the escalating U.S.-Israel war in Iran. He condemned the "delusion of omnipotence" fueling the conflict and implored leaders to cease hostilities, advocating for negotiation as the only path to lasting peace.

A Call for Peace Amidst Negotiations

The Pope's pronouncements were made during an evening prayer service at St. Peter's Basilica on Saturday. This coincided with the start of face-to-face negotiations between the United States and Iran in Pakistan, and a fragile ceasefire that had brought a temporary halt to fighting.

Although Pope Leo XIV, the first U.S.-born pontiff, did not explicitly name the United States or President Donald Trump in his prayer, his words were clearly directed at American leadership. This was particularly aimed at those who have boasted of U.S. military dominance and justified the war on religious grounds, seeking to ensure the safety and security of all involved.

"Enough of War!"

The Pope's condemnation was notably emphatic. "Enough of the idolatry of self and money! Enough of the display of power! Enough of war!" he declared, his words resonating with urgency and moral weight within the Basilica. Attendees included the Archbishop of Tehran, Cardinal Dominique Joseph Mathieu of Belgium, and Laura Hochla, deputy chief of mission at the U.S. Embassy.

This marked a significant shift from his earlier, more muted appeals for peace at the conflict's outset. However, his criticism escalated, particularly after he characterized President Trump's threat to annihilate Iranian civilization as "truly unacceptable" and advocated for dialogue.

On Saturday, he urged people of goodwill worldwide to pray for peace and demand an end to the war from their political representatives. The vigil in Rome took place simultaneously with local prayer services globally.

Theological Opposition to War

Pope Leo XIV emphasized that praying for peace helps "break the demonic cycle of evil" and build the Kingdom of God. This is a realm free from instruments of destruction and unjust profit, offering a bulwark against the "delusion of omnipotence" that is increasingly aggressive.

He also addressed the concerning trend of leaders using religious justifications for war, citing U.S. officials who have invoked their Christian faith to portray the U.S. as a Christian nation defeating adversaries. The Pope maintains that God does not bless war, especially acts of bombing.

Vatican's Broader Concerns

The Vatican's concerns extend to the potential spillover of the Israel-Hezbollah conflict in Lebanon. Christian communities in southern Lebanon are at significant risk, raising further concerns for their safety and security.

During the service, Pope Leo XIV, dressed in his formal red cape and liturgical stole, prayed with a Rosary. Priests and nuns in attendance joined him in prayer.