Pope Leo criticizes “self-worship” in latest rebuke of Iran conflict: “Enough of war!”
Pope Leo XIV gave his strongest rebuke of all war in Iranappeared to take several covered shots at President Trump on Saturday, speaking out against military actions “some adults are proud of.”
Rebuke, during the prayer for peace in St. Peter’s Basilica, It comes after the pope days he said it was “absolutely unacceptable” that Mr. Trump declared that “the whole civilization will die” if The Strait of Hormuz it is always closed.
“Enough of the idolatry of self and money! Enough of the show of power! Enough of the war! True power is shown in the service of life,” said Leo, speaking in Italian.
The Pope did not mention Mr Trump by name during the service.
“I receive many letters from children from conflicting places: reading them, one sees, with the truth of innocence, all the fear and violence of actions that other adults brag about. Let’s listen to the voices of children!” said the pope.
Mr. Trump posted several Truth Social posts on Saturday bragging about the complete elimination of Iran’s military power.
“The United States has completely destroyed Iran’s Military, including their entire Navy and Air Force, and everything else. Their Leadership is DEAD!” he wrote.
Leo also urged leaders to engage in meaningful negotiations to end the US-Israel war with Iran amid a tense two-week ceasefire.
Vice President JD Vancesenior attorney Steve Witkoff and son-in-law of Mr. Trump’s Jared Kushner met with Iranian leaders in Pakistan for direct, face-to-face talks on Saturday, a senior US official told CBS News. Mr. Trump has warned Iran to comply with the terms of the ceasefire or face a major US attack.
“Certainly, national leaders have compelling responsibilities,” Leo said on Saturday. “We shout to them: stop! This is the time for peace! Sit at the tables of negotiation and mediation, not at the tables where the return of weapons is planned and death is threatened!”
The Pope also criticized Friday’s war, writing on social media, “God does not bless any conflict. Anyone who is a disciple of Christ, the Lord of Peace, is never on the side of those who once carried the sword and today drop the bombs.”
Fifty-five percent of Catholics voted for Mr. Trump in the 2024 election, and white Catholics prefer him over Kamala Harris by 62% to 37%, according to the Pew Research Center.
“All of President Trump’s foreign policy actions have made the world safer, more stable, and more prosperous,” White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly told CBS News’ White House and Political Correspondent Ed O’Keefe on Wednesday. “American Catholics strongly support President Trump in 2024, and the President’s administration has a good relationship with the Vatican, which was strengthened when Vice President Vance attended the coronation mass of Pope Leo XIV last year.”
“The President has done more than any of his predecessors to save lives and resolve the world’s conflicts, and following the completion of his war aims on Iran, he is hopeful that the deal being negotiated can lead to lasting peace in the Middle East.”
