Pope Leo XIV Condemns ‘Delusion of Omnipotence’ Fueling US-Israel War on Iran/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Pope Leo XIV condemned the “delusion of omnipotence” fueling the Iran war. The pope called on political leaders to pursue negotiations and peace. His remarks came as U.S. and Iran began direct talks in Pakistan.
Pope Leo Iran War Remarks Quick Looks
- Pope Leo XIV condemns Iran war
- Calls war driven by “delusion of omnipotence”
- Urges political leaders to negotiate peace
- Speech delivered at St. Peter’s Basilica
- Comments follow U.S.-Iran talks in Pakistan
- Pope criticizes religious justification for war
- Vatican concerned about Lebanon spillover
- Global prayer vigils held for peace
Deep Look: Pope Leo XIV Condemns ‘Delusion of Omnipotence’ Fueling US-Israel War on Iran
ROME — Pope Leo XIV issued his strongest condemnation yet of the U.S.-Israeli war involving Iran, warning Saturday against what he called a dangerous “delusion of omnipotence” driving global conflict and urging political leaders to pursue peace negotiations.
The Chicago-born pontiff delivered the remarks during an evening prayer service at St. Peter’s Basilica, coinciding with the start of face-to-face negotiations between U.S. and Iranian officials in Pakistan and a fragile ceasefire holding across the region.
While Pope Leo did not directly name the United States or President Donald Trump, his remarks appeared aimed at leaders who have emphasized military strength and invoked religious language to justify the conflict.
“Enough of the idolatry of self and money! Enough of the display of power! Enough of war!” the pope said during the service.
Vatican Prayer Service for Peace
The evening vigil included Scripture readings and recitations of the Rosary, with priests, nuns, and diplomats gathered in St. Peter’s Basilica. Among those present was the archbishop of Tehran, Belgian Cardinal Dominique Joseph Mathieu.
The United States was represented by Deputy Chief of Mission Laura Hochla, according to embassy officials.
The Vatican also coordinated simultaneous prayer services around the world, including in the United States, as Pope Leo called on people globally to demand peace from political leaders.
Pope’s Tone Has Hardened
During the early weeks of the conflict, Pope Leo offered restrained calls for dialogue. However, his criticism intensified in recent days.
Earlier this week, the pontiff described threats to “annihilate Iranian civilization” as “truly unacceptable” and urged diplomacy over military action.
Saturday’s remarks marked his most forceful condemnation yet.
Praying for peace, Pope Leo said, helps “break the demonic cycle of evil” and replace violence with a world without weapons, drones, or what he called “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,” Leo said.
Religion and War
The pope also warned against using religion to justify conflict, saying that invoking God in support of war distorts faith.
“Even the holy Name of God, the God of life, is being dragged into discourses of death,” he said.
Some U.S. officials, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, have framed the conflict in religious terms, portraying the United States as defending Christian values.
Pope Leo has repeatedly rejected that framing, saying God does not bless wars — especially those involving bombing campaigns.
Concern Over Lebanon
The Vatican is particularly concerned about the potential spillover of Israel’s conflict with Hezbollah in Lebanon, where Christian communities remain vulnerable.
Ongoing Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon have raised fears of broader regional instability, further complicating peace efforts.
Call for Global Peace
Seated beside the altar wearing formal liturgical garments and holding a Rosary, Pope Leo led prayers as attendees joined in reciting “Our Father” and “Hail Mary.”
The pontiff urged people worldwide to pray for peace and pressure political leaders to end the conflict.
As negotiations between the United States and Iran continue, Pope Leo’s remarks underscore growing international concern about escalation and the humanitarian toll of the war.
His message was clear: diplomacy, not military power, must guide the path forward.
You must Register or Login to post a comment.