Pope says Trump's threat to destroy Iranian civilization is 'unacceptable'

Key Points:

• Pope Leo XIV condemned U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat to destroy Iranian civilization as "truly unacceptable" and emphasized that attacks on civilian infrastructure violate international law.
• The pope urged people of good will, especially Americans, to contact their political leaders and congressional representatives to reject war and work for peace amid escalating tensions with Iran.
• Breaking from Vatican diplomatic neutrality, Leo has increasingly criticized the U.S.-Israeli conflict in Iran, calling for dialogue and peaceful solutions while highlighting the humanitarian impact on innocent civilians.
• The Vatican expressed concern over the spillover of the Iran conflict into Lebanon, particularly the renewed war involving Israeli forces and the Iranian-backed Hezbollah, emphasizing the plight of Christians in southern Lebanon.
• Pope Leo released a message of solidarity to Christians in southern Lebanon after a Vatican-led aid convoy was blocked, comparing their suffering to Christ’s and offering hope amid ongoing regional instability.