Leaving his residence at Castel Gandolfo on April 7, 2026, Pope Leo XIV delivered a pointed appeal for peace, condemning what he called an “unacceptable” threat made earlier in the day by U.S. President Donald Trump against the Iranian people.
Speaking briefly to journalists, the Pope returned to a theme he had emphasized during his Easter Sunday message: the urgent need for peace in a world increasingly marked by escalation. “I make a brief statement to echo what I have already said,” he explained, “especially on Easter, in asking for peace.”
His remarks came in response to a message posted on Truth Social in which Trump warned that an “entire civilization” could “cease to exist” within hours, as a U.S. ultimatum to Iran approaches its deadline in a few hours. The statement, widely reported and swiftly criticized, intensified fears of a broader regional conflict.
Pope Leo XIV’s response
For Leo XIV, the issue extends beyond geopolitics. While acknowledging that the situation involves “questions of international law,” he stressed that it is “above all a moral question.” His concern focused on the human cost of war, particularly the “many innocents” who would suffer in the event of further escalation.
The Pope, a Chicago native with deep pastoral experience in Peru, spoke with a clarity that blended moral conviction and pastoral urgency. He described the ongoing conflict between Iran, the United States, and their allies as widely regarded as “unjust,” noting that it “continues to intensify” while ultimately “resolving nothing.” Instead, he warned, such violence only fuels “more hatred in the world.”
In English, the Pope said:
In fact, we have a worldwide economic crisis, an energy crisis, a situation in the Middle East of great instability, and which is only provoking more hatred throughout the world. So come back to the table, let’s talk, let’s look for solutions in a peaceful way, and let’s remember especially the innocent — children, the elderly, the sick, so many people who have already become or will become victims of this continued warfare.
To remind all that attacks on civilian infrastructure is against international law but that it is also a sign of the hatred, the division, the destruction the human being is capable of, and we all want to work for peace. People want peace. I would invite the citizens of all the countries involved to contact the authorities, political leaders, congressmen, to ask them, tell them, to work for peace and to reject war always.
Thank you very much.
His words align with a long-standing Catholic emphasis on the dignity of human life and the moral limits of warfare. The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that even in conflict, the protection of civilians is non-negotiable, and that the pursuit of peace must remain the ultimate goal.
Rather than escalating rhetoric, Leo XIV called for a renewed commitment to dialogue. “Let us return to conversation, to negotiation,” he urged. “Let us seek ways to resolve problems.” His appeal comes as diplomatic channels appear increasingly strained and public discourse grows more volatile.
The Pope also invited the faithful to respond in prayer and in civic engagement. He encouraged believers to make their voices heard, urging authorities to recognize a widespread desire for peace. “We are a people who love peace,” he said. “And the world has such a great need for it.”
This call will take visible form on April 11, when a prayer vigil for peace is scheduled to take place at the Vatican. In a moment marked by uncertainty, Leo XIV’s message offers a steady reminder: even amid political tension, the path forward must be shaped by dialogue, restraint, and a shared commitment to human dignity.
You can watch the whole video where the Pope speaks first in Italian and then in English at this link, starting around the 1:00:00 mark.
The leader of the US bishops also responded with a statement today, which can be read below:
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