Pope Leo XIV has said the war being waged by the United States and Israel against Iran cannot be considered a “just war,” rejecting arguments used to justify the military campaign. The remarks are significant because they challenge a key defense of the conflict advanced by senior US officials. The comments affect ongoing international debate over the legality, morality, and consequences of military action against Iran.
Speaking to journalists aboard a flight from Rome to Madrid, the pope was asked whether the conflict met the criteria of the centuries-old just war doctrine. The question followed remarks by US Vice President JD Vance, who had cited the concept while defending Washington’s actions. In response, Pope Leo said the conflict did not qualify as a just war.
Read more: Pope Leo warns AI risks leading world on path of unending war
The pontiff argued that the traditional theory was developed centuries ago and no longer reflects the realities of modern warfare. He said earlier generations could not have imagined the scale of destruction made possible by contemporary weapons. According to the pope, the devastating capabilities of modern military technology require a different approach to evaluating armed conflicts.
The comments come amid reported tensions between Pope Leo and US President Donald Trump over the Iran conflict. The pope has repeatedly called for an end to hostilities and warned against rhetoric that could fuel further escalation. Earlier this year, he described a statement attributed to Trump about Iran’s future as unacceptable and urged greater restraint from all sides.
Read more: Pope Leo XIV urges Easter peace in Iran conflict
Trump later criticized the pope’s position and questioned his views on foreign policy. However, Pope Leo rejected the criticism and said he would continue speaking out against war and violence. The dispute also drew reactions in Italy, where Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and other political leaders voiced support for the pope’s peace appeals and condemned personal attacks against him.