Pope Leo condemns Iran's crackdown and the war itself, but Trump Is 'not a big fan'

ABOARD THE PAPAL FLIGHT: Pope Leo XIV on Thursday, April 23, said he cannot support the ongoing conflict involving Iran, while also condemning the Iranian government’s actions against protesters.

Speaking to reporters during a return flight to Rome, the pontiff called for peace and warned of the broader consequences of war. 

His remarks come amid continued tensions with President Donald Trump, who has defended his approach to the conflict. 

Pope Leo opposes war and calls for 'culture of peace'

Pope Leo XIV said he could not support the war, emphasising the need for peaceful solutions.

“As a pastor I cannot be in favor of war,” he told reporters, adding, “I would like to encourage all to make efforts to look for answers that come from a culture of peace and not from a place of hate and division.”

Describing the situation as complex, the pontiff pointed to uncertainty in diplomatic efforts and the broader global impact.

“We don't know where this is going to lead, which has created, again, this chaotic situation, critical for the world economy,” he said. 

He also highlighted the human cost of the conflict, noting that “many innocent people have died” and that civilians in Iran are suffering.

The pope underscored this impact by recalling a Lebanese boy who had welcomed him during a previous visit and was later killed in the war.

Pope condemns Iran's response to protests as Trump defends strategy

Alongside his opposition to the war, Pope Leo addressed Iran’s internal actions, condemning the government’s response to protests.

“I condemn all actions that are unjust, I condemn the taking of people’s lives, I condemn capital punishment, I believe that human life is to be respected,” he said.

“When a regime, when a country, takes decisions which take away the lives of people unjustly then obviously that is something that should be condemned,” he added.

Meanwhile, President Donald Trump defended his approach to Iran and ongoing negotiations.

“Time is not on their side! A Deal will only be made when it's appropriate and good for the United States of America, our Allies and, in fact, the rest of the World,” he wrote on Truth Social. 

Trump has also pushed back against criticism from the pope in recent days, saying he was “not a big fan” and suggesting religious leaders should avoid political matters.

In a separate post, Trump claimed divisions within Iran’s leadership, writing that the country was “having a very hard time figuring out who their leader is.”

Iranian officials rejected that assertion, with President Masoud Pezeshkian and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stating: “In Iran, there are no radicals or moderates… we will make the aggressor criminal regret his actions.”