Pope Condemns Trump's Unauthorized Iran Strikes as American Troops Die

Pope Leo XIV calls for diplomacy and an end to the spiral of violence in the Middle East.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Pope Leo XIV has released a scathing condemnation of the U.S. and Israel's attack on Iran, which was carried out without approval from Congress. The pope urged global powers to turn down the temperature and return to diplomacy, warning of the mass casualties that may come as a result of the ongoing conflict. The pontiff also criticized the Trump administration's reckless foreign policy, including the attack on Venezuela and the deportation of immigrants.

Why it matters

The pope's strong rebuke of the Trump administration's unauthorized military action in Iran highlights the growing tensions between the Catholic Church and the U.S. government. It also underscores the pontiff's commitment to promoting peace and diplomacy over the use of force, even in the face of a president who has sought the Vatican's support for his policies.

The details

Three American U.S. service members were killed during Operation Epic Fury, which the U.S. launched against Iran without approval from Congress. The military offensive also killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and Iran has threatened to retaliate, targeting U.S. military bases in the region. The pope has called for an end to the spiral of violence and for diplomacy to regain its proper role.

  • On February 28, 2026, explosions rocked major cities across the Gulf region as Iran launched waves of reprisal attacks after the U.S. and Israeli strikes.
  • The Lenten season, a 40-day period of sacrifice in the Catholic Church, began on February 18, 2026.

The players

Pope Leo XIV

The current pope, who has spoken out against many of President Trump's policies and urged global powers to turn down the temperature and return to diplomacy.

Donald Trump

The former U.S. president who ordered the unauthorized military strikes on Iran, which the pope has condemned.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

The former Supreme Leader of Iran, who was killed during the U.S. military offensive.

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What they’re saying

“Stability and peace are not achieved through mutual threats, nor through the use of weapons, which sow destruction, suffering, and death, but only through reasonable, sincere, and responsible dialogue.”

— Pope Leo XIV (X)

“I make a heartfelt appeal to all the parties involved to assume the moral responsibility of halting the spiral of violence before it becomes an unbridgeable chasm. May diplomacy regain its proper role, and may the well-being of peoples, who yearn for peaceful existence founded on justice, be upheld. And let us continue to pray for peace.”

— Pope Leo XIV (X)

What’s next

The Vatican has not indicated any specific next steps, but the pope's strong condemnation of the U.S. military action in Iran suggests that the Catholic Church will continue to press for a diplomatic resolution to the conflict.

The takeaway

The pope's rebuke of the Trump administration's unauthorized military strikes in Iran highlights the growing divide between the Catholic Church and the U.S. government on issues of foreign policy and the use of force. The pontiff's call for diplomacy and an end to the spiral of violence underscores his commitment to promoting peace and the well-being of all people, even in the face of a president who has sought the Vatican's support for his policies.