ROME (AP) — Pope Leo XIV delivered his most forceful condemnation to date of the ongoing US-Israeli military conflict in Iran during a Saturday evening prayer gathering, criticizing what he called a “delusion of omnipotence” driving the warfare and urging world leaders to pursue diplomatic solutions.
The pontiff led the prayer ceremony at St. Peter’s Basilica on the same day that American and Iranian representatives started direct diplomatic talks in Pakistan while a tenuous ceasefire remained in effect.
The first pontiff of American origin did not specifically name the United States or President Donald Trump during his remarks, which had been scheduled prior to the announcement of the diplomatic discussions. However, Leo’s language and messaging seemed aimed at Trump and American leadership, who have highlighted US military strength and framed the conflict in religious language.
“Enough of the idolatry of self and money!” Leo declared. “Enough of the display of power! Enough of war!”
Among those attending the basilica service was Tehran’s archbishop, Belgian Cardinal Dominique Joseph Mathieu. The United States was represented through its deputy chief of mission, Laura Hochla, according to the US Embassy.
During the initial phase of the conflict, the Chicago-native Leo showed hesitation in openly criticizing the violence, restricting his statements to gentle calls for peace and conversation. However, beginning on Palm Sunday, Leo intensified his opposition. Earlier this week, he described Trump’s warning to destroy Iranian civilization as “truly unacceptable” and advocated for diplomatic resolution.
During Saturday’s service, Leo urged all people of conscience to pray for peace and pressure their elected officials to end warfare. The evening ceremony in Rome, which included biblical readings and contemplative Rosary recitation, coincided with similar prayer gatherings occurring across the United States and internationally.
Through prayer for peace, Leo explained, believers could “break the demonic cycle of evil” and instead construct God’s Kingdom without swords, drones or “unjust profit.”
“It is here that we find a bulwark against that delusion of omnipotence that surrounds us and is becoming increasingly unpredictable and aggressive,” he stated. “Even the holy Name of God, the God of life, is being dragged into discourses of death.”
Political figures have invoked religious justification for their wartime decisions. American leadership, particularly Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, has referenced Christian beliefs to portray the US as a Christian nation fighting to defeat its enemies.
Leo has maintained that God does not support any war, especially those involving aerial bombardment.
The Pope conducted the service from a white chair positioned beside the altar, dressed in formal red vestments and liturgical garments while holding Rosary beads. Numerous clergy members in attendance also used Rosary beads during the recitation of traditional Catholic prayers.
Vatican officials express particular worry about the expansion of Israel’s military campaign against Hezbollah in Lebanon, considering the vulnerable Christian populations in southern regions.
