Leo XIV Condemns Trump’s Iran Warning. Threats to Destroy Iranian Civilization Violates International Law
Pope Leo XIV on Tuesday condemned President Trump’s threat to destroy Iranian civilization, calling it “truly unacceptable” and warning that attacks on civilian infrastructure violate international law. Speaking in some of his strongest remarks yet about the war, Leo urged Americans and people of goodwill around the world to reach out to their political leaders and congressional representatives to oppose war and advocate for peace, according to the AP.
Leo spoke to reporters as he left his country residence in Castel Gandolfo, south of Rome. He specifically referenced President Trump’s statement that a “whole civilization will die tonight” if Iran fails to meet his latest deadline for a deal that includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
“Today, as we all know, there was this threat against all the people of Iran. This is truly unacceptable,” he said. “There are certainly issues here of international law, but even more than that, it is a moral question for the good of the world’s people.” He urged people to remember “especially the innocent children, the elderly, the sick, so many people who have already become or will become victims of this continued warfare.”
Reuters notes that it is unusual for a pope to respond directly to the remarks of a world leader, but Leo has increased his criticism of the conflict in recent weeks. In his Easter message, while not mentioning the war by name, he declared, “Let those who have weapons lay them down! Let those who have the power to unleash wars choose peace!”
About Post Author
