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Pope Condemns Religious Justifications for War Amid U.S. Tensions

4/17/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Pope Leo XIV condemned leaders who use religion to justify war while speaking in Cameroon, addressing U.S. President Donald Trump’s Iran policy.
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops backed the Pope and rejected JD Vance's just-war claims.
The Trump administration ended an $11 million contract with a Miami Catholic charity serving unaccompanied minors.
The move may alienate Catholic voters ahead of the midterm elections.

History

Historical Context

In 1892, Pope Leo XIII condemned the use of religion to justify war in his encyclical, advocating for peace and diplomacy. This stance shaped the Catholic Church's approach to conflicts, influencing later popes, including John Paul II's opposition to the 2003 Iraq War. Today, Pope Leo XIV echoes this legacy, particularly in relation to U.S. foreign policy, impacting Catholic voter sentiment.

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Story summary

Pope Leo XIV condemned leaders who use religion to justify war while speaking in Cameroon, addressing U.S. President Donald Trump’s Iran policy.
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops backed the Pope and rejected JD Vance's just-war claims.
The Trump administration ended an $11 million contract with a Miami Catholic charity serving unaccompanied minors.
The move may alienate Catholic voters ahead of the midterm elections.

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