Pope Leo XIV states US-Iran conflict is not a 'just war'
Istanbul (ANTARA) - Pope Leo XIV has asserted that the war launched by the US and Israel against Iran is not a ‘just war’, arguing that the classical theory is no longer relevant to the realities of modern warfare.
“There is no just war there,” Leo told journalists during a flight from Rome to Madrid on Saturday, marking his fourth overseas trip as Pope.
The comments were made in response to questions from journalists regarding claims by US Vice President JD Vance, who utilised the concept of a ‘just war’ to defend Washington’s military actions against Tehran.
According to Leo, the philosophical concept of a just war originated centuries ago, at a time when humanity could not yet imagine the massive destructive power of modern weaponry.
“The problem is that the theory of just war comes from centuries ago, from a time when people could not imagine the weapons and the capacity for destruction that exist today,” he stated.
This firm statement by Pope Leo extends the diplomatic rift and political tension between the Vatican and US President Donald Trump regarding the escalation of the conflict in Iran.
The Pope has consistently called for an end to armed conflict and has harshly criticised political rhetoric deemed capable of triggering a wider war.
Earlier this year, Pope Leo condemned statements by President Trump, who threatened that “no civilisation will be left in Iran.” The Pope described such rhetoric as “unacceptable.”
In response to the criticism, Trump launched a counter-attack, describing the Pope as a figure who is “weak and poor in foreign policy.”
However, Pope Leo XIV ignored the taunts, asserting that he is not afraid to continue advocating for peace.
This verbal feud between Washington and the Vatican has also sparked strong reactions in Italy. Political leaders in Rome have rushed to offer defence and moral support to Pope Leo.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni openly criticised Trump’s remarks, stating that the verbal attacks directed at the supreme leader of the Catholic Church were “unacceptable.”