Leaders have invoked religion to justify their actions in the conflict. US authorities, particularly Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, have referenced their Christian beliefs and portrayed the US as a Christian nation confronting its adversaries.
On Saturday, Pope Leo XIV candidly condemned the “illusion of omnipotence” driving the US-Israel military campaign against Iran, urging political figures to halt hostilities and pursue peace talks. Meanwhile, peace discussions between the US and Iran were underway in Pakistan.
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During an evening prayer inside St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Leo XIV refrained from naming the US directly or mentioning President Donald Trump; however, his tone clearly targeted US officials and Trump, who have boasted about their military strength and justified the conflict on religious grounds.
“Enough with the idolization of self and wealth!” Leo declared. “Enough with the display of power! Enough with war!”
The US Military Religious Freedom Foundation (MRFF) revealed on 3 March 2026 that it had compiled over 200 complaints from military personnel across different branches—including the Marines, Air Force, and Space Force—alleging that their superiors employ extremist Christian rhetoric to rationalize the war against Iran.
Present at the basilica was the Archbishop of Tehran, Dominique Joseph Mathieu. The US was represented by Laura Hochla, deputy chief of mission at the US Embassy.
Though initially hesitant to openly criticise the conflict, US-born Pope Leo XIV intensified his condemnation starting from Palm Sunday. Earlier that week, he denounced Trump’s threats to wipe out Iranian civilization as “utterly unacceptable” and advocated prioritizing dialogue.
On Saturday, the pontiff summoned all individuals of goodwill to pray for peace and call on their political leaders to end the war.
Praying for peace, Pope Leo XIV stated, represents a means to “break the demonic cycle of evil” and instead foster the Kingdom of God—free from swords, drones, and “unjust profit.”
“It is in this context that we find resistance against the delusion of omnipotence enveloping us, which grows increasingly erratic and aggressive,” he explained. “Even the sacred Name of God, the God of life, is being drawn into discourses promoting death.”
Religious justifications have been used by leaders to defend their wartime actions. US officials, most notably Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, have cited their Christian faith and characterized the nation as a Christian entity confronting foes.
Pope Leo XIV emphasized that God does not endorse any war, particularly conflicts involving bombings.
The Vatican has expressed deep concern over Israel’s war with Hezbollah, which is expanding into Lebanon, where southern Christian communities are already enduring hardship.