Pope Leo XIV Condemns Donald Trump's Threats Against Iran: Unacceptable
The Supreme Leader of the Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV, has issued a strong rebuke against the escalating rhetoric of United States President Donald Trump, who has threatened to annihilate Iran. The Pope asserted that such threats not only breach international law but also constitute a serious moral violation.
“Today, as we all know, there is a threat against the entire Iranian people. And this is truly unacceptable!” Pope Leo XIV stated firmly to the media outside Rome on Tuesday (7/4), as released by the Holy See.
The US-born Pope highlighted that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East will not yield long-term solutions. Instead, warfare would only trigger a global economic and energy crisis with far-reaching impacts on people worldwide.
In his statement, Pope Leo XIV emphasised that this issue transcends mere political debate. He reminded the world of the fate of the most vulnerable civilians should these military threats be realised.
“There are certainly issues of international law here, but more than that, this is a moral question concerning the well-being of people as a whole,” he said.
He specifically urged all parties to remember the plight of children, the elderly, and the sick, who always become the primary victims in every war.
The Pope also warned that attacks targeting civilian infrastructure represent a clear violation of international law.
“It is also a sign of the hatred, division, and destruction that humans are capable of,” he added, while calling on world leaders to return to the negotiating table.
This tension peaked after President Donald Trump issued a harsh ultimatum to Tehran. Trump threatened to destroy “the entire civilisation” of Iran and bomb vital infrastructure such as power plants and bridges if Iran does not immediately reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt even issued a more extreme warning, stating that Iran could be “sent back to the Stone Age” if it fails to reach an agreement within the specified deadline.
The conflict was initially triggered by US and Israeli claims regarding threats from Iran’s nuclear programme. However, over time, both countries have openly stated that the ultimate goal of this military pressure is to force a change of power in Tehran. As of now, the situation in the Middle East remains on high alert awaiting Iran’s final response.
Iran, through its Khatam al-Anbiya Headquarters, has threatened to cripple the regional oil and gas sector if the US and Israel continue attacking their infrastructure.
A temporary ceasefire between the United States and Iran, mediated by Pakistan, has acted as a positive catalyst for global financial markets, including Indonesia.
Iran has proposed 10 points to end the war, claiming that Trump has agreed to use them as the basis for negotiations, including issues related to the Strait of Hormuz, sanctions, and uranium enrichment.
Former US Vice President Kamala Harris has attacked Donald Trump’s war policy, calling it reckless and endangering soldiers’ lives without a clear strategy.
Iran and the US have agreed to a 15-day conflict pause and to begin negotiations in Islamabad, Pakistan. Tehran has submitted a 10-point proposal including matters related to the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian Government Spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani responded to Donald Trump’s threats to destroy Iranian civilisation amid the escalating Strait of Hormuz conflict.