According to a recent report by AP News, Pope Leo XIV strongly criticized comments made by U.S. President Donald Trump about Iran. The pope called Trump threat to destroy Iranian civilization “truly unacceptable.”(Nicole Winfield, April 7th,2026)

Speaking from Castel Gandolfo, the Pope said any threat to destroy an entire civilization raises serious moral and legal concerns. He emphasized that any attacks targeting civilian infrastructure would violate international law and put innocent lives at risk.(Nicole Winsfield,April 7)

The criticism came after Trump warned that “a whole civilization will die tonight” if Iran failed to meet U.S. demands related to regional tensions and the Strait of Hormuz. The statement has drawn concern from global leaders and religious figures amid an already escalating conflict.

Pope Leo urged people around the world to contact political leaders and push for peaceful solutions instead of war. He repeated earlier calls to reject violence, describing the ongoing conflict as unjust and ineffective in resolving underlying issues. (Akayla Gardner,April 9th)

In some of his strongest remarks yet, the Pope framed the issue as both a humanitarian and moral crisis, stressing the need to protect civilians. He warned that continued escalation could worsen instability and suffering in the region, and called for renewed dialogue and diplomacy.