Pope Leo XIV denounces Iran’s killing of protesters but opposes war

Apr 23, 2026

Pope Leo XIV denounced Iran's killing of protesters while opposing military intervention in the escalating Iran conflict, urging continued dialogue for peace instead of war. Speaking to journalists on his return flight from a four-nation African Apostolic Journey, the Pope addressed the chaotic negotiations over Iran amid attacks by Israel and the United States that have heavily affected the global economy. He referenced receiving a letter from families of children killed on the first day of attacks and noted that a Muslim child holding a 'Welcome Pope Leo' sign was killed during his Lebanon visit. The Pope encouraged the continuation of dialogue to remove the threat of war, even as Iran executed an opposition member and the conflict's civilian toll mounted.

Pope's pastoral mission and approach to political issues in Africa

▪Pope Leo XIV concluded an Apostolic Journey to four African nations.
▪Pope Leo XIV held a peace meeting in Bamenda, Cameroon during his African journey.
▪Pope Leo XIV stated that his Apostolic Journey should be understood primarily as an expression of the desire to proclaim the Gospel.
▪Pope Leo XIV traveled from Malabo, Equatorial Guinea back to Rome on a return flight.
▪Pope Leo XIV answered questions from five of roughly 70 journalists who followed his international visit to Africa.

Iran conflict, regime change, and calls for peace over war

▪Israel and the United States conducted attacks on Iran in the first days of a conflict.
▪Pope Leo XIV received a letter from families of children killed on the first day of attacks in the Iran conflict.
▪Pope Leo XIV encouraged the continuation of dialogue for peace and removal of the threat of war in the Iran conflict.
▪A Muslim child holding a sign saying 'Welcome Pope Leo' was killed during Pope Leo XIV's visit to Lebanon.

Migration crisis and Global North-South responsibility

▪Pope Leo XIV stated that migration is a global phenomenon affecting many countries beyond Spain, Europe, and the United States.
▪The migration issue is particularly important in Spain's Canary Islands.
▪Pope Leo XIV stated that a State has the right to regulate its borders.

Diplomatic relations with authoritarian regimes and Church unity on same-sex blessings

▪Pope Leo XIV met with leaders described as among the most authoritarian in the world during his African trip.
▪The Holy See does not agree with the formalized blessing of homosexual couples.
▪Cardinal Reinhardt Marx, Archbishop of Munich and Freising, gave permission to the blessing of same-sex couples in his diocese.
▪The Holy See maintains diplomatic relations with countries that have authoritarian leaders.
▪The Holy See has spoken to the German bishops about same-sex blessings.
▪Pope Francis allowed blessings for all people with the expression 'Tutti, tutti, tutti'.

Perspective of Pope Leo XIV

▪Pope Leo XIV views dialogue as the appropriate path to peace in the Iran conflict rather than military action.
▪Pope Leo XIV sees the removal of the threat of war as a critical objective in the Iran conflict.