Aboard the papal flight returning to Rome, Pope Leo XIV delivered a strong condemnation of violence in Iran, denouncing the killing of protesters and reiterating his firm opposition to war amid escalating global tensions.
The remarks come at a sensitive moment in international diplomacy, following criticism from Donald Trump, who had earlier accused the pontiff of not speaking out strongly enough against Iran’s actions.
Strong Words Against Violence in Iran
Speaking to journalists, Pope Leo made it clear that the loss of life—whether in protests or war—is unacceptable.
“I condemn all actions that are unjust. I condemn the taking of people’s lives.”
His comments were in response to reports that Iranian authorities had killed thousands of protesters during recent anti-government demonstrations—described as the most severe unrest since the Iranian Revolution.
Human rights groups have also raised concerns about continued crackdowns, including executions carried out amid the ongoing conflict.
A Broader Call Against War
Beyond Iran, the pope expressed deep concern over civilian casualties in the wider Middle East conflict, particularly in clashes involving U.S., Israeli, and Iranian forces.
“As a pastor, I cannot be in favor of war.”
He described the humanitarian toll as devastating, emphasizing the deaths of innocent civilians. The pope shared a personal account of carrying a photograph of a child killed in an Israeli strike in Lebanon—an image that has deeply affected him since his recent visit to the country.
Tensions With Trump
The pope’s remarks follow a public exchange with President Trump, who criticized him on social media earlier this month. Trump questioned why the pope had not more forcefully condemned Iran’s actions during protests.
Although Pope Leo did not directly respond to Trump in his latest comments, his statements appeared to address the broader issue by condemning all unjust killings, regardless of the actor.
Peace Talks in Deadlock
The pontiff also expressed concern over the collapse of peace negotiations between the United States and Iran, describing the situation as “chaotic.”
“One day Iran says yes, the United States says no and vice versa. We don’t know where it will go.”
He highlighted the suffering of ordinary Iranian citizens caught in the middle of geopolitical tensions, calling attention to the human cost of prolonged conflict.
Diplomatic Engagement With Difficult Regimes
During the same trip, Pope Leo defended his decision to visit African nations such as Equatorial Guinea and Cameroon, both of which have faced criticism for long-standing authoritarian leadership.
He explained that the Vatican maintains diplomatic ties with a wide range of governments in order to quietly advocate for justice and improve living conditions.
“We don’t always make great proclamations … but there’s an awful lot of work that goes on behind the scenes.”
A Moral Voice in a Time of Conflict
As global tensions continue to rise, Pope Leo XIV has positioned himself as a moral voice calling for restraint, peace, and respect for human life.
His condemnation of violence in Iran, combined with his broader rejection of war, underscores the Vatican’s longstanding emphasis on diplomacy and humanitarian values.
With peace talks stalled and conflicts intensifying, the pope’s message serves as a reminder of the urgent need for dialogue over destruction.
