Pope Leo XIV Condemns "Delusion of Omnipotence" in U.S.-Israeli War with Iran

On April 11, 2026, during a prayer vigil at St. Peter's Basilica, Pope Leo XIV delivered a powerful denunciation of what he termed the "delusion of omnipotence" that he believes is fueling the ongoing U.S.-Israeli war with Iran. His remarks coincided with face-to-face negotiations between U.S. and Iranian officials in Pakistan, aimed at establishing a fragile ceasefire. Although the Pope did not explicitly mention the United States or President Donald Trump, his message was perceived as a direct critique of U.S. military actions and justifications for the conflict.

Philippine Daily InquirerPBS News HourThe GuardianJust the News

Pope Leo urged political leaders to abandon the pursuit of war and instead engage in dialogue and mediation. He stated, “Enough of the idolatry of self and money! Enough of the display of power! Enough of war!” He emphasized that true strength lies in serving life rather than glorifying military might. The vigil was attended by notable figures, including Laura Hochla, the U.S. deputy chief of mission to the Holy See, and Cardinal Dominique Joseph Mathieu, the archbishop of Tehran.

PBS News Hour

Initially, Pope Leo was hesitant to publicly condemn the violence at the onset of the conflict, opting for muted appeals for peace. However, his tone shifted significantly, particularly after Palm Sunday, when he began to voice stronger criticisms. He condemned Trump's threats against Iran as "truly unacceptable" and reiterated that God does not bless any war, particularly those involving violence against civilians.

Philippine Daily Inquirer

Pope Leo's comments also addressed the troubling trend of using religion to justify military actions. He noted that U.S. officials, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, have invoked their Christian faith to frame the conflict as a righteous struggle. The Pope countered this narrative by asserting that invoking God in the context of war only serves to drag the holy name into "discourses of death."

The Guardian

The Vatican has expressed particular concern over the potential spillover effects of the U.S.-Israeli conflict, especially regarding the safety of Christian communities in Lebanon amid Israel's ongoing war against Hezbollah. Pope Leo's call for peace and dialogue reflects a broader desire to mitigate the humanitarian crises exacerbated by military actions in the region.

The Guardian

In his remarks, Pope Leo called for all people of goodwill to pray for peace, stating that such prayers could help "break the demonic cycle of evil." He urged leaders to prioritize dialogue over rearmament and violence, emphasizing that military action will not lead to lasting peace.

Philippine Daily Inquirer

• “Enough of the idolatry of self and money! Enough of the display of power! Enough of war! True strength is shown in serving life,” — Pope Leo XIV

The Guardian

• “Even the holy Name of God, the God of life, is being dragged into discourses of death.” — Pope Leo XIV

The Guardian

• “True strength is shown in serving life,” he added.” — Pope Leo XIV

The Guardian

Pope Leo XIV's strong condemnation of the "delusion of omnipotence" highlights the urgent need for peace and dialogue in a conflict that continues to escalate, affecting countless lives in the region.

Just the News