Pope Leo XIV Calls for Peace Amid Ongoing Conflict in the Middle East

Since the onset of military actions by the United States and Israel against Iran in late February 2026, Pope Leo XIV has emerged as a vocal advocate for peace and dialogue, contrasting sharply with U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's calls for military victory. The pope's stance emphasizes a return to dialogue and a rejection of violence, aligning with his interpretation of Christian teachings.

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The conflict escalated when the U.S. and Israel initiated airstrikes against Iran, prompting international concern and calls for restraint. Pope Leo XIV, the first U.S.-born pontiff, has consistently criticized the use of religious justification for warfare, arguing that such actions contradict the core tenets of Christianity.

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• Pope Leo XIV: The pontiff has been vocal in his opposition to the use of military force, urging for peace and dialogue. He has refrained from direct political confrontation but has used his platform to advocate for non-violence.

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• Pete Hegseth: The U.S. defense secretary has called for prayers for military success, framing the conflict in religious terms and emphasizing a need for victory.

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In a homily delivered on Holy Thursday, Pope Leo XIV stated, “We tend to consider ourselves powerful when we dominate, victorious when we destroy our equals, great when we are feared.” He emphasized that true Christian values promote liberation and the sanctity of life, rather than domination through violence. The pope has also warned against invoking Jesus's name for warfare, asserting that “Jesus does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war, but rejects them.”

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Following a conversation with Israeli President Isaac Herzog, the pope reiterated the necessity of dialogue to achieve a “just and lasting peace” in the Middle East, highlighting his commitment to diplomatic solutions.

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While Pope Leo XIV advocates for peace, his views stand in stark contrast to those of U.S. officials like Hegseth, who frame military action as a necessary response to threats. Critics of the pope's position argue that his calls for dialogue may undermine the urgency of addressing perceived threats from Iran.

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There is a notable divergence in perspectives regarding the effectiveness of military action versus diplomatic efforts. While the U.S. government emphasizes military victory, the pope's calls for peace suggest a growing divide in strategies for addressing the conflict in the Middle East.

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• “God has given us an example — not of how to dominate, but of how to liberate; not of how to destroy life, but of how to give it.” — Pope Leo XIV

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• “I’m told that President Trump recently stated that he would like to end the war,” — Pope Leo XIV

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• “does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war, but rejects them.” — Pope Leo XIV

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As the situation in the Middle East continues to evolve, the contrasting views of Pope Leo XIV and U.S. officials underscore the complexities of addressing conflict through military versus diplomatic means.

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