
Pope Urges Peace as Vatican Condemns Iran Conflict
Pope Leo XIV condemned the US-Israeli approach to Iran, urging leaders to pursue peace and stating that God does not bless any conflict, as the Vatican calls for de-escalation amid rising tensions.
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Pope Leo XIV condemned the US-Israeli approach to Iran, urging leaders to pursue peace and stating that God does not bless any conflict, as the Vatican calls for de-escalation amid rising tensions.

Pope Leo XIV welcomed a two-week Middle East ceasefire, urged all parties to resume dialogue to end the conflict, and invited people worldwide to join a Prayer Vigil for Peace at St. Peter’s Basilica on April 11 at 6:00 p.m. Rome time, stressing diplomacy and collective prayer ( noting Lebanon is not included in the ceasefire ).

During Palm Sunday Mass, Pope Leo XIV condemned leaders who wage war, saying God does not listen to prayers from those with hands full of blood and that Jesus rejected violence. Not naming any government, his remarks appeared to rebuke the Trump administration as US troops build up in the Middle East and after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s call for violence. He urged a ceasefire, a ban on aerial bombing, and concrete steps toward peace, amid broader Iran-Israel-US tensions and Easter concerns for Christians in the region.

During a one-day pastoral visit to Monaco—the first pope to visit since 1538—Pope Leo XIV urged residents to use their wealth and influence for the common good and to uphold Catholic teaching on protecting the sanctity of life, meeting with Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene and presiding over a mass at Stade Louis II.

Pope Leo XIV flies from the Vatican to Monaco for his second Apostolic Journey—the first papal visit to the principality in modern times—where he will meet Prince Albert II, address the Catholic community, speak with youths, and celebrate Mass at Louis II Stadium in a nine-hour itinerary before returning to the Vatican; Cardinal Parolin hopes the trip strengthens the local Church and furthers commitments to care for creation, life protection, and international solidarity.

Pope Leo XIV arrived in Monaco for a one‑day visit, meeting with Prince Albert II and leading a public Mass, in the Vatican’s first papal trip to the principality in modern times. The trip highlights close church‑state ties between Monaco and the Vatican, underscores Monaco’s Catholic heritage and green transition, and notes shared positions on issues like abortion, while reflecting personal links between the papacy and Monaco.

Pope Leo XIV appointed an Australian church lawyer as the Vatican’s chief legal adviser, marking a high-level leadership appointment in the Holy See’s legal affairs.

Pope Leo urged an immediate ceasefire in the expanding Iran conflict during his Angelus, lamenting 'atrocious violence' that has killed thousands of civilians. He warned that violence won't bring justice or peace, called for unceasing dialogue, and noted concern about Lebanon amid Israel-Hezbollah hostilities.

Pope Leo XIV urges world leaders and those responsible for the Iran conflict to immediately halt hostilities, calling for a negotiated ceasefire and renewed diplomacy to protect civilians.

Pope Leo XIV, the first U.S. pope, has moved into the Apostolic Palace apartments after renovations, ending a period of vacancy since his May 2025 election. He had been living at the Palace of the Holy Office and also spends Tuesdays at Castel Gandolfo; this move signals a return to the central papal residence after Pope Francis chose a more modest Santa Marta dwelling.

During his General Audience, Pope Leo XIV reiterates that the Church, made up of the people of God from every nation and united in Christ, must welcome everyone, proclaim the Gospel, and be a sign of unity and peace for all, in the light of Lumen Gentium.

An Iranian senior cleric, Ayatollah Damad Ahmadabadi, sends a public letter to the Pope urging peace and adherence to international law as the US-Israel-Iran conflict widens in the Middle East, calling on the Vatican to press the U.S. president to restraint. The article frames him as a reformist voice within Iran’s clerical establishment, notes the Vatican’s history of dialogue with Shia authorities, and discusses the uncertain practical impact of papal diplomacy amid U.S. political dynamics.

Pope Leo XIV accepted the resignation of the Chaldean Catholic bishop of San Diego after he was arrested on embezzlement and money laundering charges linked to about $270,000 from a California parish.

Ford CEO Jim Farley gifted the Pope Leo XIV a custom 2026 Explorer Platinum hybrid built in Chicago, sporting two-tone leather with Chicago flag details, vanity plates reading DA POPE and LEO XIV, and a Europe-ready audio system; the 3.3-liter hybrid V6 reportedly delivers about 318 hp and marks Ford’s latest one-off gift for the Vatican, following an earlier Bronco charity build.

Pope Leo XIV appointed four new auxiliary bishops for the Diocese of Rome—Stefano Sparapani, Alessandro Zenobbi, Andrea Carlevale, and Marco Valenti—each previously serving as parish priests in Rome, with roles including episcopal vicars for different city sectors.