Pope Leo XIV Criticizes U.S. Iran War and Immigration Policies Under President Trump

S. war in Iran and the Trump administration's immigration policies. The pope, the first American to hold the position, has shifted from a reserved approach to more direct statements on these matters.

This marks a notable divide between the Vatican and the White House. The conflict in Iran began prompting the pope's interventions. Leo XIV called for the war's end as soon as it started, condemning it with statements that rejected any divine justification for the campaign.

He has emphasized peace and unity in his remarks, while addressing the human cost of the violence.

Papal Statements on the Iran War Last month, Pope Leo XIV stated that invoking God's name in support of the war was unacceptable.

He said, "Some even go so far as to invoke God’s name in these choices of death. " Two weeks later, the pope remarked that God does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war. This drew disagreement from evangelical leader Franklin Graham, who said God takes sides in history and that war can be justified against evil.

Tony Perkins, another evangelical leader, said the pope needed a history lesson. Earlier this week, after President Trump warned that Iran's civilization would die, Leo XIV called the statement unacceptable. The pope welcomed a subsequent two-week cease-fire announcement but reiterated calls for a Vatican prayer vigil for peace.