Pope Leo XIV declares US‑Iran war not a just war

Pope Leo XIV said the war launched by the United States and Israel against Iran does not meet the criteria of a “just war,” calling the concept outdated in the face of modern destructive weapons. Speaking to reporters on a flight from Rome to Spain, he reiterated that “there is no just war there.”

He referenced U.S. Vice‑President JD Vance’s earlier use of just‑war theory to justify actions in Iran and criticized President Donald Trump’s response, which labelled the Pope as “weak” on foreign policy. Leo cited his recent encyclical *Magnifica Humanitas*, which argues that the traditional theory is no longer relevant and urges dialogue, diplomacy and forgiveness as alternatives to violence. He also urged an end to other conflicts, including the war in Ukraine, and highlighted ongoing diplomatic talks with religious leaders in Lebanon.

The remarks have heightened diplomatic tension between the Vatican and the United States, drawing support from Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who defended the Pope’s stance against Trump’s comments.