Unacceptable Threats: Pope Leo XIV Reacts to Trump’s Warnings on Iran

Pope Leo XIV expressed strong disapproval on Tuesday regarding President Donald Trump’s statement that Iran’s “entire civilization will perish.” He labeled the threat as “truly unacceptable.”

Trump’s warning came as a deadline approached for Iran to agree on a deal to halt the ongoing conflict. The Pope criticized these threats, claiming they breach international law and only fuel “further hatred around the world.”

In Italian, he remarked, “As everyone knows, today there was such a threat against the entire Iranian people. This is truly unacceptable.”

The Pope encouraged Americans to reach out to their Congressional representatives, urging them to advocate for an end to the conflict. He stated in English that many perceive the war as an “injustice” and noted that it “has not solved anything.” His comments followed his departure from his villa in Castel Gandolfo, Italy.

On a related note, Trump had also threatened to target Iranian infrastructure, including power plants and bridges, unless Iranian officials agree to cease hostilities and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which is critical for oil exports. Since a blockade was put in place on February 28, gasoline prices in the U.S. have declined, although they still exceed $4.10 per gallon.

Trump brushed aside concerns over the potential for war crimes linked to attacking Iranian infrastructure. He suggested that divine support is on America’s side, stating he believes God approves of his actions because he is “good.”

Meanwhile, Vice President J.D. Vance expressed hope that God is indeed on the administration’s side, emphasizing that the government’s steps aim to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear capabilities.

Archbishop Paul S. Coakley, who leads the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, responded by describing Trump’s threats as “morally unjustified” and called on him to pursue “a just solution for peace.”