Pope Leo denounces ‘delusion of omnipotence’ driving US-Israeli war on Iran
The US-born pontiff has become an increasingly vocal critic of Washington’s war rhetoric, amid reports of Pentagon officials threatening the Vatican over its anti-war stance
Pope Leo XIV on 11 April denounced what he called a “delusion of omnipotence” fueling the US–Israeli war on Iran, urging political leaders to halt the fighting and pursue negotiations.
“Enough of the idolatry of self and money!” he said. “Enough of the display of power! Enough of war!”
Speaking during an evening prayer service in St Peter’s Basilica in Rome, Leo delivered his strongest remarks yet as US-Iran talks began in Pakistan and a fragile ceasefire was held.
The US-born pontiff did not explicitly name Washington or President Donald Trump.
However, his message appeared directed at US officials who have promoted military dominance and framed the war in religious terms.
Leo said prayer could “break the demonic cycle of evil,” referring to the ongoing cycle of violence in the war, and warned that “the holy Name of God … is being dragged into discourses of death,” criticizing how US officials have invoked religion to justify ongoing wars.
In early March, dozens of US lawmakers called for an investigation after hundreds of complaints from service members said that military commanders portrayed the war on Iran as “divinely ordained” and linked to biblical prophecy, including claims that President Donald Trump had been “anointed by Jesus.”
Appearing to target the US president, Leo added that the “delusion of omnipotence … is becoming increasingly unpredictable and aggressive.”
Earlier in the week, Leo described Trump’s threat to annihilate Iranian civilization as “truly unacceptable,” while insisting that “God doesn’t bless any war, and certainly not those who drop bombs.”
Separately, reporting by ActPost, citing The Letters From Leo, said Pentagon officials warned the Vatican earlier this year over its opposition to the war, with a senior US defense official reportedly stating Washington “has the military power to do whatever it wants — and that the Church had better take its side.”
According to the report, references to an “Avignon papacy” were interpreted by Vatican officials as a threat to the Holy See’s independence.
The phrase “Avignon papacy” refers to a historical period when the pope was effectively under the control of a foreign power.
US officials have denied the claims, saying reports of a “bitter lecture” to the Vatican envoy were “highly exaggerated and distorted,” while the US embassy described the meeting as “frank, but very cordial.”
Despite these denials, tensions appear to persist, with the Vatican reportedly shelving plans for a papal visit to the US, reflecting deepening divisions over Washington’s military posture and the pope’s repeated calls to “choose peace … not … to dominate others.”