Pope Leo XIV Condemns Iran’s Regime Amid Protests
Pope Leo XIV has openly criticized Iran’s Islamist regime for its role in the brutal crackdown on protesters, expressing a desire for the violence to cease, especially regarding the execution of those opposed to the government.
Speaking to reporters on a flight back to Rome from Equatorial Guinea, the Pope reflected on his recent African tour, which included visits to Algeria and Cameroon—the birthplace of St. Augustine. In Cameroon, he touched on the severe impact of jihadist terrorism and the ongoing civil strife that has devastated everyday life. His comments to the media emphasized the church’s commitment to peace, while also reiterating its refusal to bless couples in “irregular situations,” a category that includes same-sex couples.
Responding to inquiries from Newsmax about the tragic deaths of numerous Iranians amid governmental protests, the Pope assured that the Catholic Church firmly stands against genocide.
“I condemn all injustices,” he stated, emphasizing his opposition to the death penalty and his belief that human life must be respected at all stages—from conception onwards. “When a regime decides to unjustly take lives, it is something that should be condemned without hesitation,” he added.
He further encouraged both global leaders and individuals to foster a “culture of peace,” pointing out that in Iran, it isn’t merely a matter of regime change—it’s about how to uphold core values while minimizing loss of innocent lives.
The Pope expressed concern over the “chaotic and critical situation” resulting from Iran’s interference with commercial shipping in the strategic Strait of Hormuz. The complexities of U.S.-Iran negotiations only add to the sense of instability. “Negotiations can turn on a dime; one side may agree while the other does not, leaving us uncertain of what lies ahead,” he noted, stressing that the ongoing conflict is causing suffering for countless innocent Iranians.
The conflict, which escalated with the Pentagon’s Operation Epic Fury on February 28, was preceded by significant protests throughout Iranian cities, mainly led by younger generations. Triggered by a sharp decline in the currency’s value, these protests grew into cries for an end to radical Islamism. The regime’s response was severe, involving mass arrests and violence against unarmed demonstrators, leading to a reported number of lives lost reaching as high as 30,000 in just the first months of 2026, according to some Iranian opposition figures.
Pope Leo had initially addressed the situation concerning dissidents in Iran in January, where he expressed his thoughts on the ongoing strife in the Middle East, specifically noting the human costs in Iran and Syria. “Our hope is to cultivate peace through sustained dialogue,” he said.
Recently, he welcomed Cardinal Dominic Matthew, the Archbishop of Tehran and Isfahan, at the Vatican after the Cardinal had to evacuate due to military actions initiated by the U.S. and Israel. Throughout his papacy, Leo has consistently advocated for Christians to remain in their homelands rather than seeking refuge elsewhere, emphasizing the importance of nurturing love and peace within their communities.
Reflecting on the broader picture, the Pope has made remarks in support of Christian leaders facing oppression in various parts of the world, including Nigeria, which has seen persistent attacks on Christian populations by extremist groups.
In Latin America, he’s allied with anti-socialist Christian leaders caught in the crossfire of Marxist movements. Earlier this year, he met with Maria Colina Machado, a prominent opposition leader from Venezuela, illustrating his commitment to human rights.
This compassionate approach starkly contrasts with that of his predecessor, Pope Francis, who historically shied away from condemning oppressive regimes or speaking publicly against human rights violations. One notable example is during Francis’s 2015 visit to Cuba, where he was criticized for cozy interactions with the dictator Raul Castro while denying evidence of human rights abuses.
Throughout his initial year leading the Catholic Church, Pope Leo has maintained a focus on defending the oppressed globally, urging support for persecuted groups, and promoting dialogue over conflict.
