Pope Leo condemns Trump’s ‘whole civilization will die’ threat to Iran as ‘truly unacceptable’

CASTEL GANDOLFO, ITALY: Pope Leo XIV has strongly criticized Donald Trump’s recent warning directed at Iran, calling it “truly unacceptable.”

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, April 7, outside his residence in Castel Gandolfo, the pontiff raised serious concerns about both the moral and legal implications of such rhetoric amid the ongoing conflict.

Pope Leo XIV slams Trump’s Iran warning 

The first American pontiff did not hold back as he addressed Trump’s remarks, which suggested catastrophic consequences for Iran.

Reacting to the statement, Pope Leo XIV said, “Today, as we all know, there was this threat against the entire people of Iran, and this is truly unacceptable.”

The pope stressed that beyond political tensions, the issue touches on deeper moral concerns.

He added, “There are certainly issues here of international law, but even more than that, it is a moral question for the good of the [world’s] people.”

His comments come at a time when tensions remain high and fears of escalation continue to grow across the region.

Trump warns of massive destruction as Iran tensions escalate rapidly

Earlier, Trump took to his Truth Social platform with a stark warning aimed at Iran. Setting an 8 pm EDT deadline for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, the president wrote, “A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again.”

He continued, “I don’t want that to happen, but it probably will. However, now that we have Complete and Total Regime Change, where different, smarter, and less radicalized minds prevail, maybe something revolutionarily wonderful can happen, WHO KNOWS?”

Trump further described the moment as pivotal, adding, “We will find out tonight, one of the most important moments in the long and complex history of the World. 47 years of extortion, corruption, and death, will finally end. God Bless the Great People of Iran!”

The remarks quickly drew global attention and concern, with critics warning about the implications of such language during an already volatile situation.

Trump announces two-week ceasefire pause after Pakistan-led talks

Later the same day, Trump appeared to soften his stance, announcing a temporary halt to planned military strikes.

The decision came after conversations with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and army chief Asim Munir, who reportedly urged more time for diplomatic efforts.

Announcing the pause, Trump wrote, “This will be a double sided CEASEFIRE! The reason for doing so is that we have already met and exceeded all Military objectives, and are very far along with a definitive Agreement concerning Longterm PEACE with Iran, and PEACE in the Middle East.”

He also revealed that a proposal from Iran was under consideration, saying, “We received a 10 point proposal from Iran, and believe it is a workable basis on which to negotiate.”

According to Trump, most major points of disagreement have already been addressed, and the two-week window would allow both sides to finalize an agreement.

Pope Leo XIV urges peace as Iran civilian death toll rises

Pope Leo XIV has consistently criticized the ongoing US-Israeli conflict with Iran since it began on February 28, repeatedly urging leaders to prioritize diplomacy over force.

As civilian casualties continue to mount, the pope has stressed the urgent need for restraint. According to reports, 1,665 civilians in Iran, including at least 248 children, have been killed since the conflict began.

On Easter Sunday, the pontiff had already made his stance clear in a message shared on X. “Let those who have weapons lay them down! Let those who have the power to unleash wars choose peace!” he wrote.

He added, “Not a peace imposed by force, but through dialogue! Not with the desire to dominate others, but to encounter them!”