Pope Leo XIV used his first Easter mass to directly challenge world leaders waging war, calling for those with power to "choose peace" through dialogue rather than force. The pontiff's message stood in sharp contrast to President Trump's escalating threats against Iran, delivered the same day, in which he demanded Tehran open the Strait of Hormuz or face catastrophic consequences.
"Let those who have weapons lay them down," Leo said during the Easter service. "Let those who have the power to unleash wars choose peace! Not a peace imposed by force, but through dialogue! Not with the desire to dominate others, but to encounter them."
The tension between the Vatican and the Trump administration reflects a deepening divide over U.S. military strategy in the Middle East. Trump has threatened to bomb Iranian infrastructure, including bridges, energy facilities, water systems, and oil infrastructure, if negotiations over the Strait of Hormuz fail by Tuesday.
Church Leadership Breaks Ranks
Archbishop Timothy Broglio, who leads the Catholic Archdiocese for the Military Services USA, echoed the pope's concerns during a Sunday television appearance. While acknowledging that Trump officials "may have information" justifying military action, Broglio questioned whether the conflict aligned with Christian teaching.
"It's hard to cast this war as something that would be sponsored by the Lord," Broglio told CBS News' "Face the Nation," emphasizing that war should always be a last resort.
The pope has spoken repeatedly against the Iran conflict, building on statements made during Palm Sunday when he said Jesus "does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war, but rejects them."
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt responded to the religious criticism by defending the administration's approach. A practicing Catholic herself, Leavitt argued that military and political leaders have long turned to prayer during national crises and that asking Americans to pray for service members represents "a very noble thing to do."
"If you talk to many service members, they will tell you they appreciate the prayers and support from the commander-in-chief and from his Cabinet," Leavitt said.
Leo is the first U.S.-born pope, and his willingness to directly challenge Trump administration policies marks a significant departure from recent Vatican diplomacy. Catholic leaders in America have previously voiced moral opposition to Trump's positions on both the Iran war and immigration policy.
Comments