Pope Leo has welcomed a two-week ceasefire in the Iran conflict, while also sharply criticising remarks made by United States President Donald Trump, describing a recent threat against Iran’s population as “unacceptable”.
Speaking on Wednesday (Apr 8) during his weekly audience, the pope said he received news of the truce “with satisfaction” amid what he described as days of heightened global tension involving the Middle East and the wider international community.
The pontiff, the first US-born pope, urged all parties to use the pause in fighting as an opportunity to resume dialogue, stressing that only negotiations could bring lasting peace and end the ongoing regional conflict.
“Only through a return to negotiation can an end to the war be achieved,” he said, reinforcing his call for diplomacy over continued military escalation.
His remarks came just hours after he condemned Trump’s reported warning to Iran, in which the US president allegedly said that “a whole civilisation will die tonight” if Tehran failed to agree to ceasefire terms. Pope Leo labelled the statement as “truly unacceptable” when speaking to journalists.
The pope has taken a more outspoken stance in recent weeks, increasingly addressing the US-Israeli-Iran conflict and urging restraint from global powers involved in the escalating situation.
While popes traditionally avoid direct criticism of political leaders, Pope Leo’s comments mark a more assertive tone, reflecting growing concern over the humanitarian and geopolitical impact of the conflict.
The Vatican has continued to call for peace efforts and dialogue, with Pope Leo emphasising the importance of protecting civilians and preventing further regional destabilisation.
