Pope Leo XIV condemns military strikes on Iran, states "God does not bless any conflict

Pope Leo XIV has strongly condemned the ongoing military strikes against Iran by the United States and Israel, stating that "God does not bless any conflict." In a statement on X, the pontiff emphasized that followers of Jesus Christ, the "Prince of Peace," should not support violence, asserting that "military action will not create space for freedom or times of peace." He advocated for lasting peace through sustained diplomacy and the "patient promotion of coexistence and dialogue among peoples." This stance contrasts with that of U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, who defended the campaign using religious language, calling the strikes a "holy necessity" and seeking divine support for U.S. troops to carry out "overwhelming violence of action." Hegseth framed the offensive as part of a mission rooted in biblical themes of justice and retribution, stating, "Let every round find its mark against the enemies of righteousness and our great nation." The Pope's message is seen by many as a direct rebuke of relying on military force to resolve geopolitical disputes, highlighting an ideological divide between the Vatican and the governments in Washington and Tel Aviv.