Pope Condemns Trump’s Threat Against Iranian People as “Unacceptable”, Urges Peace and Dialogue

Pope Leo XIV has strongly condemned recent threats against the Iranian people, describing them as “truly unacceptable” and renewing his call for peace amid growing global tensions. The Pope made his remarks on the evening of April 7 while speaking to journalists outside Villa Barberini, his residence in Castel Gandolfo, Italy.

According to Vatican News, the Pope’s comments came in the context of escalating conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, including a threat issued by U.S. President Donald Trump, warning of devastating actions if Tehran did not meet a deadline to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

“Today, as we all know, there has also been this threat against the entire people of Iran. And this is truly unacceptable!” the Pope said in Italian, emphasizing that beyond legal concerns, the situation raises serious moral questions about the well‑being of entire populations.

The Vatican News report noted that the Pope reiterated his call from his recent Easter Urbi et Orbi message for all people of goodwill to reject war, especially conflicts seen by many as unjust and escalating without resolution.

Highlighting the wider consequences of the conflict, the Pope pointed to global economic and energy instability and the spread of hatred resulting from prolonged warfare. He urged leaders and citizens alike to return to negotiation and dialogue as the path toward peace.

The Pontiff also drew attention to the human toll of war, calling for remembrance of innocent victims, including children, the elderly, and the sick, and stressing that attacks on civilian infrastructure violate international law and reflect “hatred, division, and destruction.”

In closing, Pope Leo encouraged people everywhere to contact political authorities and urge them to work toward peace and the rejection of violence, reaffirming that “we all want to work for peace. People want peace.”