Pope Leo’s Peace Appeal Sparks Clash with U.S. Officials Over Iran War

On the return flight from an 11-day African pastoral tour, Pope Leo XIV urged the United States and Iran to resume talks, calling the war “chaotic” for the world economy and noting the suffering of innocent Iranians. He condemned capital punishment and said, “God does not bless any conflict.”

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The war began in early March after the United States and Israel struck Iranian targets, citing self-defense against an alleged imminent threat and to curb Iran’s nuclear and proxy programs. Catholic scholars cite the just war criteria—authority, just cause, right intent, proportionality, last resort, likelihood of success—to assess the conflict. Archbishops of Washington and the U.S. military chaplain say the war fails the just war threshold.

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The Strait of Hormuz, moving up to 20 % of global oil, was shut in early March after Iran’s blockade and a reciprocal U.S. response. A cease-fire has held since April 8. Pope Leo’s African tour visited Algeria, Cameroon, Angola and Equatorial Guinea, drawing crowds of 100,000 in Cameroon.

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The conflict threatens global energy markets, raises food and fertilizer prices, and pits a religious moral authority against a presidential administration that claims constitutional authority for military action. The dispute highlights tensions between spiritual leadership and political power in shaping policy.

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Pope Leo said he “cannot be in favor of war” and urged a “culture of peace.” President Donald Trump dismissed the Pope as “weak on crime” and asserted U.S. control of the Strait of Hormuz. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the Pentagon “has every authority necessary under the Constitution and our laws,” adding “the pope’s gonna do his thing, that’s fine.” Archbishop Timothy Broglio and U.S. Catholic bishops called the war “not righteous.”

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Catholic leaders argue the war lacks legitimate authority, proportionality and a realistic chance of success, noting no UN mandate and the failure to exhaust diplomatic options. They call it a breach of the Church’s just war criteria.

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U.S. officials claim an imminent Iranian threat, but Pentagon briefings describe it as non-imminent. Catholic critics note the lack of a UN resolution and unclear war aims, fueling a dispute over legal and moral justification.

The Conversation

• “As a pastor, I cannot be in favor of war,” — Pope Leo XIV

CNN

• “God does not bless any conflict.” — Pope Leo XIV

The Hill

• “The pope’s gonna do his thing, that’s fine,” — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth

The Hill

Pope Leo will travel to Spain from June 6-12, where he is expected to continue advocating for peace. Diplomatic channels between Washington and Tehran remain uncertain, and further public statements from the Vatican and U.S. officials are likely as the war’s economic and humanitarian impacts deepen.

CNN