Hours before the ceasefire between the United States and Iran took effect, Pope Leo XIV issued a rare and sharp critique of U.S. President Donald Trump, stating that threats to erase Iran's entire civilization are "truly unacceptable."

While the Pope did not mention the President by name, his target was unmistakable.

"As we all know today, a threat has been made against the entire nation of Iran," the Pope told reporters in Italy on Tuesday (April 7) evening. "And this is truly unacceptable."

The remarks came just hours before Trump announced a two-week ceasefire. Pope Leo XIV added,

The tension follows a previous threat from Trump, who warned he would destroy every bridge and power plant in Iran if Tehran failed to ensure the safe passage of commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.

International law prohibits the intentional destruction of civilian infrastructure. Trump’s rhetoric has drawn widespread condemnation from both Democratic and Republican lawmakers, as well as the United Nations and global leaders.

In his first year as Pontiff, Leo XIV has generally avoided direct commentary on U.S. politics, yet he has consistently called for an end to U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, urging a resolution through dialogue. He has also firmly rejected attempts by some members of the Trump administration to frame the conflict through a Christian lens.

In March, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth called on Americans to pray "in the name of Jesus Christ" for victory in the war and the safety of troops.

In response, the Pope warned against using Jesus' name to justify war, stating that prayers for war are rejected rather than heard. During a special pre-Easter prayer last week, Leo remarked that Christian ideals were being "distorted by a desire for dominance," which he described as completely contrary to the path of Christ.

On Easter Sunday, the Pope renewed his plea for peace. Before thousands of faithful in St. Peter's Square, he said, "On this day of celebration, let us renounce all desires for conflict, dominance, and power, and pray to God for peace in this war-torn world."

Trump had set a deadline of Tuesday evening for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, threatening devastation if they failed to comply. Emphasizing diplomacy, Pope Leo urged Tuesday evening: "Return to the table. Speak. Find a solution through peaceful means."

A few hours later, just before the deadline expired, Trump announced the ceasefire. In a social media post, Trump claimed he is "very close" to a final deal for long-term peace with Iran and the wider Middle East.
Source: The New York Times