Pope Leo XIV Condemns Iran War, Takes Aim at Trump

Pontiff denounces 'idolatry of self and money' fueling conflict during Vatican prayer vigil

Apr. 12, 2026 at 6:34am

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A serene, cinematic painting of a lone Vatican priest kneeling in prayer, the warm light and deep shadows conveying a sense of quiet contemplation and moral purpose.The pope's solemn prayer vigil for peace reflects the Vatican's growing moral opposition to the ongoing U.S.-Iran conflict.Chicago Today

Pope Leo XIV issued his strongest condemnation to date of the U.S.-Israel war in Iran on April 11, 2026, during a prayer vigil for peace held at St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican. The pontiff denounced the delusion of omnipotence fueling the conflict and demanded that political leaders cease military actions and negotiate a peaceful resolution.

Why it matters

The pope's rebuke follows a period of increasing tension between the Vatican and the White House, with the pontiff previously criticizing President Trump's threat to annihilate Iranian civilization. The Vatican service coincided with the start of high-level diplomatic talks between the U.S. and Iran in Pakistan, underscoring the Holy See's efforts to promote dialogue and an end to the violence.

The details

Speaking in Italian, Pope Leo XIV criticized the motivations behind the ongoing violence, specifically targeting the pursuit of wealth and the exercise of raw power. He called for a shift toward service and the preservation of life, stating: 'Enough with the idolatry of self and money! Enough with the display of force! Enough with war! True strength is manifested in serving life.' The pope also highlighted the human cost of the conflict, stating that he receives numerous letters from children living in conflict zones.

  • On April 11, 2026, Pope Leo XIV issued his strongest condemnation to date of the U.S.-Israel war in Iran during a prayer vigil at St. Peter's Basilica.
  • The evening service took place as a fragile ceasefire held and the United States and Iran initiated face-to-face negotiations in Islamabad, Pakistan.
  • On April 10, 2026, Pope Leo XIV issued a sweeping condemnation of war, rejecting claims that military action could bring about freedom or peace.

The players

Pope Leo XIV

The Chicago-born pope who has taken an increasingly vocal stance against the U.S.-Israel war in Iran.

President Donald Trump

The U.S. president who has justified the war in religious terms and boasted of American military superiority, drawing criticism from the Vatican.

Vice President JD Vance

A member of the U.S. delegation that met with Iranian leaders in Islamabad, Pakistan for direct diplomatic discussions.

Jared Kushner

The son-in-law of President Trump who was part of the U.S. delegation that met with Iranian leaders in Islamabad.

Laura Hochla

The U.S. Deputy chief of mission who attended the Vatican prayer vigil.

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What they’re saying

“Enough with the idolatry of self and money! Enough with the display of force! Enough with war! True strength is manifested in serving life”

— Pope Leo XIV

What’s next

The diplomatic significance of the Vatican service was reflected in its attendance, with the diplomatic corps including U.S. officials. The next steps will be to see if the direct talks in Pakistan lead to a negotiated settlement to end the conflict.

The takeaway

Pope Leo XIV's strong condemnation of the war and criticism of the leaders involved underscores the Vatican's efforts to promote dialogue and an end to the violence. The pontiff's evolving rhetoric, from muted appeals to forceful denunciations, reflects the Holy See's growing frustration with the continuation of the conflict.