Pope Criticized for Anti-American Rhetoric and Pacifist Stance on Iran

Commentators argue the Pope's views on just war theory and Christian history are misguided

Apr. 20, 2026 at 2:34am

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A dimly lit, cinematic interior of a Catholic cathedral with warm sunlight streaming through the stained glass windows, creating a contemplative and nostalgic mood that belies the political tensions surrounding the Pope's controversial statements.The Pope's pacifist rhetoric on global conflicts contrasts with the Church's historical role in defending Christendom against Islamic aggression.Chicago Today

The Pope has faced criticism for his anti-American rhetoric and pacifist stance on the conflict with Iran, with commentators arguing his views on just war theory and Christian history are flawed. The Pope has condemned America's hostilities toward Iran, calling them the 'delusion of omnipotence' and warning that 'God does not bless any conflict.' However, critics say the Pope is ignoring Catholic doctrine on the ethics of war and the long history of the Church defending against Muslim aggression.

Why it matters

The Pope's stance on the conflict with Iran is seen as out of step with Catholic teaching and the realities of global security threats. His comments have drawn criticism from those who argue the war against Iran is justified under just war theory and is necessary to defend Western civilization against Islamic extremism.

The details

The article argues the Pope, formerly a priest from Chicago, is exhibiting an 'anti-American animus' and 'domestic self-hatred' in his condemnation of America's actions against Iran. It says the Pope is ignoring the Catholic doctrine of 'Just War Theory' which has historically justified wars of self-defense against aggressive actors. The author contends that wars fought by Christians against Muslim invaders, such as the Crusades and the Battle of Vienna, were just and necessary to protect Christendom.

  • In 2006, Pope Benedict XVI was criticized for quoting a 14th-century Byzantine emperor who connected Islam and violence.
  • Last week, there were 21 wasted hours of failed ceasefire talks in Pakistan demonstrating the difficulty of 'responsible dialogue' with aggressive actors.

The players

Pope Leo XIV

The current Pope, formerly a priest from Chicago, who has condemned America's hostilities toward Iran and warned that 'God does not bless any conflict.'

Pope Benedict XVI

A previous Pope who was criticized in 2006 for quoting a Byzantine emperor who connected Islam and violence.

Andrew Sullivan

A political commentator and LGBTQ activist who has expressed support for the Pope's pacifist stance, arguing that 'war is unthinkable for Christians unless utterly necessary in self-defense against an imminent threat.'

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What they’re saying

“War is unthinkable for Christians unless utterly necessary in self-defense against an imminent threat, after all other options are exhausted.”

— Andrew Sullivan, Political Commentator and LGBTQ Activist

“The war the United States and Israel are fighting is for the survival of Christendom and Western Civilization!”

— Thane Rosenbaum, Novelist, Essayist, and Law Professor

What’s next

The article does not mention any clear future newsworthy moments related to this story.

The takeaway

The Pope's stance on the conflict with Iran is seen as out of step with Catholic teaching on just war theory and the historical role of the Church in defending against Muslim aggression. Critics argue the Pope is exhibiting an anti-American bias and ignoring the realities of global security threats.