Pope Leo urges end to Iran war, calls for dialogue over force

Pope Leo XIV made an urgent plea for peace on Saturday, condemning the ongoing US-Israeli war on Iran and calling on world leaders to prioritize diplomatic solutions over armed conflict. Speaking during a prayer vigil at St. Peter’s Basilica, the pontiff declared: “Enough of the idolatry of self and money! Enough of the display of power! Enough of war!” He added, “True strength is shown in serving life.”

Voices of children and criticism of pride

Without naming specific leaders, the pope criticized actions that “some adults boast of with pride,” pointing to the heavy human toll of the conflict. “I receive countless letters from children in conflict zones … Let us listen to the voices of children!” he said. His remarks followed earlier statements describing as “truly unacceptable” any warning that “a whole civilization will die” if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed.

Call for negotiations and ceasefire context

Pope Leo urged leaders to sit “at the table of dialogue and mediation” and avoid decisions “where rearmament is planned and deadly actions are decided.” The US and Israel launched a joint offensive on Iran on Feb. 28, killing more than 3,000 people, including then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, before a Pakistan-mediated ceasefire earlier this week. Tehran retaliated with drone and missile strikes on Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf states hosting US assets, while restricting Hormuz shipping. US-Iran talks in Islamabad on Saturday failed to reach an agreement.