VATICAN CITY — During Christianity’s most sacred week, Pope Leo XIV shared his hopes Tuesday that military operations between the US-Israel alliance and Iran might conclude before Easter celebrations begin.
Speaking with journalists as he departed the papal residence at Castel Gandolfo near Rome, the American-born pontiff referenced recent statements from the White House.
“I’m told that President Trump has recently stated that he would like to end the war,” Leo said. “I hope that he’s looking for an off-ramp.”
The Pope continued his appeal for de-escalation, stating: “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.”
Leo’s message emphasized the need for global leaders to pursue diplomatic solutions and seek “ways to reduce the amount of violence,” allowing “peace, especially at Easter, might reign in our hearts.”
The papal comments occurred during Holy Week, Christianity’s most revered time period.
“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 observed. “We constantly make the call for peace, but unfortunately, many people want to promote hatred, violence, war.”
During Palm Sunday services, Leo declared that divine prayers go unanswered for those who wage war or invoke religious justification for violence, while offering special prayers for Middle Eastern Christians during Mass at St. Peter’s Square.
Religious rhetoric has emerged from multiple parties in the Iranian conflict. American leadership, particularly Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, has referenced Christian beliefs to frame the military action as a faithful nation defeating enemies through armed force.
Similarly, Russia’s Orthodox leadership has characterized their Ukrainian invasion as a sacred battle against what they view as a morally corrupted Western civilization.
Throughout the remainder of Holy Week, Leo will participate in traditional ceremonies including the Holy Thursday foot-washing ritual at St. John Lateran basilica, where papal predecessors have maintained this custom for generations. Friday’s schedule includes leading the Good Friday procession at Rome’s Colosseum, honoring Christ’s suffering and death, with the Pope personally carrying the cross. Saturday evening features the Easter Vigil service, where Leo will baptize new Catholic converts, followed by Easter Sunday commemorating Jesus’s resurrection.
The Pope will conduct Easter Sunday Mass at St. Peter’s Square before delivering his Easter message from the basilica’s balcony.
