In a profound declaration on Friday, Pope Leo XIV vehemently denounced the concept of war, particularly criticizing the use of religious justification for military actions, such as those promoted by the Trump administration in the ongoing U.S.-Israel conflict in Iran.

“God does not bless any conflict,” Pope Leo XIV stated in a post on X, expressing his firm stance against the notion that wars bring peace or freedom. His message underscored the separation between true discipleship of Christ and the actions of those who resort to violence. “Anyone who is a disciple of Christ, the Prince of Peace, is never on the side of those who once wielded the sword and today drop bombs.”

The Pope emphasized that real peace and freedom can only be achieved through "the patient promotion of coexistence and dialogue among peoples," a principle he has consistently advocated for during his papacy. Notably, he refrained from directly naming specific political leaders in his critique.

This statement comes in stark contrast to comments made by President Donald Trump, who has often invoked his Christian faith as a rationale for military actions, including the controversial war in Iran. On Monday, Trump asserted to reporters that he believed God supported the war, claiming, "God is good” and desires “to see people taken care of.”

Previously, Pope Leo XIV had condemned Trump’s threats to destroy Iranian civilization, describing such rhetoric as “truly unacceptable” and a catalyst for further hatred in the Middle East. During a Palm Sunday mass, the Pope communicated to tens of thousands that invoking God to justify war is in direct opposition to divine will, asserting that God “does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war, but rejects them.”

Adding another layer to the narrative, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has portrayed the Iran war as having divine backing. In a Pentagon church service shortly after the conflict began, Hegseth prayed for military success in terms that many found controversial: “Let every round find its mark against the enemies of righteousness and our great nation,” he said, calling for “overwhelming violence of action against those who deserve no mercy.”

The Pope’s latest comments echo his ongoing commitment to peace and his rebuke of using religious narratives to legitimize war. As the world watches the unfolding events and the temporary ceasefire in Iran, the contrasting views on the role of divine will in warfare continue to stir global debate.