ROME — Pope Leo XIV issued his strongest condemnation yet of the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, warning that a “delusion of omnipotence” is fueling the violence and urging global leaders to pursue peace through dialogue.
Speaking during an evening prayer service at St. Peter’s Basilica on Saturday, the pope called for an end to what he described as dangerous displays of power and the misuse of religion to justify war. The vigil coincided with the start of renewed face-to-face negotiations between the United States and Iran in Pakistan, as a fragile ceasefire remained in place.
“Enough of the idolatry of self and money. Enough of the display of power. Enough of war,” Leo said in a forceful appeal delivered before clergy, diplomats, and members of the faithful gathered inside the basilica.
Although he did not directly name Donald Trump or U.S. officials, the pope’s remarks appeared to respond to recent statements from Washington emphasizing military strength and, in some cases, framing the conflict in religious terms. Earlier in the week, Leo had described threats to “annihilate Iranian civilization” as “truly unacceptable,” signaling a shift from his initially cautious stance in the early weeks of the war.
Among those present at the service was Dominique Joseph Mathieu, reflecting the Vatican’s close attention to developments affecting Christian communities in the region. The United States was represented by a senior diplomat from its embassy to the Holy See.
The Chicago-born pontiff has gradually intensified his public appeals since the conflict began, moving from general calls for peace to more direct criticism of rhetoric and actions that escalate tensions. On Saturday, he urged people of goodwill worldwide to pray for peace and to demand that political leaders halt hostilities.
Leo said prayer could help “break the demonic cycle of evil” and counter what he described as increasingly aggressive and unpredictable global dynamics. He also warned against invoking religion to legitimize violence, saying that even the name of God is being used in narratives that promote destruction.
“God does not bless war,” the pope has repeatedly said in recent days, emphasizing that faith should not be used to justify military action, particularly those involving civilian harm.
The Vatican has expressed growing concern over the broader regional implications of the conflict, including its spillover into Lebanon, where fighting involving the Iran-backed Hezbollah has intensified. Church officials have warned about the vulnerability of Christian communities in southern Lebanon, where ongoing military operations have heightened fears of displacement and violence.
Saturday’s vigil in Rome formed part of a wider global observance, with simultaneous prayer gatherings held in multiple countries. As diplomatic efforts continue, the Vatican has maintained its call for restraint, dialogue, and a renewed commitment to peaceful resolution in one of the most volatile crises in the region.
Edgardo Hernal started college at UP Diliman and received his BA in Economics from San Sebastian College, Manila, and Masters in Information Systems Management from Keller Graduate School of Management of DeVry University in Oak Brook, IL. He has 25 years of copy editing and management experience at Thomson West, a subsidiary of Thomson Reuters.
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