ROME (AP) - In a powerful address on Saturday, Pope Leo XIV condemned the "delusion of omnipotence" that he believes is contributing to the ongoing United States-Israel war in Iran. He urged political leaders to cease hostilities and engage in peace negotiations. The pope led an evening prayer service at St. Peter's Basilica amidst face-to-face negotiations between the U.S. and Iran taking place in Pakistan, as a fragile ceasefire continued.
Pope Leo XIV, the first U.S.-born pope, did not mention the United States or President Donald Trump directly during his prayer, which had been scheduled prior to the announcement of the negotiations. Nevertheless, his remarks seemed to target Trump and U.S. officials who have asserted military dominance while justifying the conflict in religious terms. "Enough of the idolatry of self and money! Enough of the display of power! Enough of war!" he exclaimed.
Present in the basilica was the archbishop of Tehran, Belgian Cardinal Dominique Joseph Mathieu, and the U.S. was represented by deputy chief of mission Laura Hochla from the U.S. Embassy. Initially hesitant to publicly condemn the violence at the start of the conflict, Pope Leo increased his calls for peace as the weeks progressed, particularly after Palm Sunday. He criticized Trump’s threats to obliterate Iranian civilization as "truly unacceptable" and emphasized the importance of dialogue.
During the service, Pope Leo called upon all people of goodwill to pray for peace and demand an end to war from their leaders. The vigil featured Scripture readings and a meditative recitation of the Rosary, coinciding with similar prayer services held across the U.S. and other regions. "Praying for peace," he stated, "is a way to break the demonic cycle of evil" and build the Kingdom of God free from weapons and "unjust profit."
"It is here that we find a bulwark against that delusion of omnipotence that surrounds us and is becoming increasingly unpredictable and aggressive," the pope noted. He expressed concern over the manipulation of Divine authority in justifications for warfare, asserting that no war, especially those involving bombings, could be blessed by God.
Pope Leo XIV presided over the service from a prominent white throne beside the altar, dressed in his formal red cape and liturgical stole, and praying with a Rosary. Many priests and nuns in attendance also used Rosary beads as they recited the "Our Father" and "Hail Mary" prayers. The Vatican expressed particular alarm regarding the implications of Israel's military actions against Hezbollah in Lebanon, especially given the risks faced by Christian communities in the southern region.
Overall, Pope Leo XIV's fervent address and the simultaneous global prayers highlight his call for an end to the violent conflict, urging humanity to foster peace and dialogue rather than further enmity and destruction.
