Pope Leo XIV says 'Enough of the idolatry' as he grows increasingly frustrated over war

Published on 11/04/2026 - 22:18 GMT+2

Pope Leo XIV did not clasp backmost connected Saturday arsenic helium denounced the “delusion of omnipotence” that is powering the US-Israel warfare connected Iran and urges governmental leaders to halt and prosecute successful bid processes. All while, the US and Iran entered bid negotiations successful Pakistan.

During an evening supplication successful St. Peter's Basilica Pope Leo XIV did not notation the US nor did helium notation US President Donald Trump, however, his code and connection appeared directed astatine US officials and Trump, who person bragged of their subject superiority and justified the warfare utilizing religion.

“Enough of the idolatry of aforesaid and money!” Leo said. “Enough of the show of power! Enough of war!”

The US Military Religious Freedom Foundation (MRFF) announced connected 3 March 2026 that it had received much than 200 complaints from subject unit from assorted branches of the equipped forces - including the Marines, Air Force and Space Force - accusing their commanders of utilizing extremist Christian rhetoric to warrant warfare against Iran.

Among those successful the basilica was the archbishop of Tehran, Dominique Joseph Mathieu. The United States was represented by Laura Hochla, the lawman main of mission, the US Embassy said.

US-born Pope Leo XIV had initially been reluctant astir openly criticising the war, however, helium stepped up his disapproval starting connected Palm Sunday. Earlier this week, helium condemned Trump's threats to annihilate Iranian civilisation calling them "truly unacceptable" and pushed for dialog to beryllium prioritised.

On Saturday, the pontiff called for each radical of bully volition to commune for bid and request an extremity to warfare from their governmental leaders.

Praying for peace, Pope Leo XIV said, was a mode to “break the demonic rhythm of evil” to physique alternatively the Kingdom of God wherever determination are nary swords, drones oregon “unjust profit.”

“It is present that we find a bulwark against that delusion of omnipotence that surrounds america and is becoming progressively unpredictable and aggressive,” helium said. “Even the beatified Name of God, the God of life, is being dragged into discourses of death.”

Leaders person utilized religion to support their actions successful the war. US officials, particularly Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, person spoken astir their Christian religion and described the United States arsenic a Christian federation warring its enemies.

Leo has said that God does not enactment immoderate war, particularly wars wherever bombs are dropped.

The Vatican is particularly disquieted astir Israel’s warfare with Hezbollah which is spreading into Lebanon, wherever Christian communities successful the southbound are already suffering.