Pope Leo XIV Condemns U.S. Air Strikes on Iran: A Call for Peace

In a pointed address delivered on June 22, 2025, Pope Leo XIV criticized President Donald Trump’s recent military actions against Iran, specifically the strikes on three of its nuclear facilities. The pontiff, addressing a global audience during his weekly sermon, emphasized that 'war does not solve problems' and urged nations to pursue peace over conflict. This condemnation comes at a time of escalating tensions in the Middle East, particularly following the U.S. decision to utilize B-2 bombers, known for their formidable 30,000-pound 'bunker-busting' bombs, in a coordinated attack with Israel targeting Iranian nuclear sites.

Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Prevost, stated in his sermon, 'Alarming news continues to emerge from the Middle East, especially from Iran. Today, more than ever, humanity cries out and calls for peace. This is a cry that requires responsibility and reason, and it must not be drowned out by the din of weapons or the rhetoric that incites conflict.' He stressed the collective moral responsibility of the international community to mitigate the tragedies of war, asserting, 'There are no “distant” conflicts when human dignity is at stake.'

This address marks one of the new pope's first significant forays into geopolitical discourse since his appointment just weeks prior. The Pope’s remarks come amid a backdrop of strained U.S.-Iran relations, with Iran vowing 'everlasting consequences' in response to the strikes, which have drawn ire from various lawmakers and international observers alike.

In a broader context, the pontiff's appeal resonates with his earlier criticisms of Trump's hardline immigration policies, as well as his advocacy for diplomatic solutions over military interventions in global conflicts, including the war in Ukraine. The pope has maintained a consistent stance on the importance of dialogue and understanding in resolving disputes, stating, 'War does not solve problems; on the contrary, it amplifies them and inflicts deep wounds on the history of peoples, which take generations to heal.'

Experts in international relations echo the Pope's sentiments. Dr. Michael T. McGwire, a retired professor of political science at the University of California, Berkeley, remarked, 'The Pope's call for peace is crucial at this juncture, especially as military actions tend to escalate rather than resolve underlying issues.' Similarly, Dr. Heather Hurlburt, director of the New Models of Policy Change initiative at the New America Foundation, noted, 'This is a moment that requires diplomacy, not destruction. The consequences of military action in the region can be profound and long-lasting.'

The ongoing conflict with Iran represents a test of the current U.S. administration’s foreign policy, with potential ramifications not only for American-Iranian relations but for the stability of the entire Middle East. As tensions rise, the Pope’s message serves as a poignant reminder of the need for compassion and dialogue in international affairs.

In conclusion, Pope Leo XIV's strong denunciation of violence underscores the broader imperative for the global community to prioritize peace and diplomacy over military engagement. As nations face complex geopolitical challenges, his appeal for responsibility and reason may resonate more than ever in an increasingly volatile world.