Hours Before News of Cease-Fire, Pope Leo XIV Issues Strong Rebuke of Trump
The New York Times • • general
Key Points:
- Pope Leo XIV, the first U.S.-born pope, condemned President Trump's threat to destroy Iran's civilization, calling it "truly unacceptable" and emphasizing the moral and legal issues involved.
- Trump had threatened to destroy Iranian infrastructure if Iran did not allow safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, a move widely condemned by lawmakers and international officials.
- The pope has consistently advocated for peace and dialogue, rejecting the framing of the conflict in religious terms and urging a return to diplomacy rather than war.
- Following the pope's call for peaceful solutions, Trump announced a two-week cease-fire with Iran, expressing optimism about a long-term peace agreement in the Middle East.
- Pope Leo XIV has maintained a stance against using religion to justify war, emphasizing Jesus Christ's rejection of prayers for battle and calling for an end to conflict and domination.
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