Pope Leo rages 'enough of war!' and slams 'idolatry of money' in apparent Trump swipe

Pope Leo has raged “enough of war” and condemned the “the idolatry of self and money” in an apparent swipe at President Donald Trump. The pontiff delivered his strongest condemnation yet of the US-Israeli war in Iran, warning of the “delusion of omnipotence” he believes is driving the conflict.

Speaking during an evening peace vigil at St Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City on Saturday, the first US-born pope issued a direct appeal to world leaders to stop the fighting and return to negotiations. His remarks came as US and Iranian delegations met face-to-face in Pakistan in an effort to preserve a fragile ceasefire. Although Pope Leo did not directly mention the United States, Iran, Israel or Donald Trump by name, his comments appeared aimed at leaders who have justified military action in religious terms. Addressing political leaders, he said: “To them we cry out: stop! It is time for peace! Sit at the table of dialogue and mediation – not at the table where rearmament is planned and deadly actions are decided.”

The Pope added: “Enough of the idolatry of self and money! Enough of the display of power! Enough of war! True strength is shown in serving life.”

Leo also warned against what he called “that delusion of omnipotence that surrounds us and is becoming increasingly unpredictable and aggressive”.

He said: “Even the holy Name of God, the God of life, is being dragged into discourses of death.”

The comments are likely to be interpreted as a pointed criticism of senior US figures including Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, who has previously described the conflict in religious terms.

According to reports, Hegseth has cast the war as a sacred struggle, describing the attack on Iran as a holy war carried out “in the name of Jesus Christ”.

The Pope’s remarks came after he had already intensified his criticism in recent weeks. Earlier this month, he said Donald Trump’s reported threat to “annihilate” Iranian civilisation was “truly unacceptable”.

On Friday, Pope Leo wrote on X: “God does not bless any conflict. Anyone who is a disciple of Christ, the Prince of Peace, is never on the side of those who once wielded the sword and today drop bombs.”

He added: “Military action will not create space for freedom or times of #Peace, which comes only from the patient promotion of coexistence and dialogue among peoples.”

The Pope also condemned the spread of violence across Christian holy sites in the Middle East.

He wrote: “No gain can be worth the life of the weakest, children, or families. No cause can justify the shedding of innocent blood.”

Among those attending the vigil in St Peter’s Basilica were Tehran’s archbishop, Belgian Cardinal Dominique Joseph Mathieu, and Laura Hochla, deputy chief of mission at the US Embassy to the Holy See.