Pope Leo Condemns ‘Delusion of Omnipotence’ during US-Iran Ceasefire Negotiations
Pope Leo XIV delivered his strongest rebuke yet against what he called a “delusion of omnipotence” on Saturday. He spoke during an evening prayer service at St. Peter’s Basilica as a fragile ceasefire held and U.S.-Iran face-to-face talks began in Pakistan.
The pope is the first U.S.-born pontiff. He was born in Chicago and initially gave muted appeals for peace. His rhetoric grew firmer after Palm Sunday.
Remarks and moral challenge
Leo did not name nations or leaders in his prepared remarks. His tone, however, appeared aimed at U.S. officials who have linked military action with ideological and religious language.
He denounced the “idolatry of self and money” and called for an end to displays of power. He said prayer and dialogue must replace war and threats.
Targeted criticism and context
The pope earlier called a reported threat to annihilate Iranian civilization “truly unacceptable.” He urged political leaders to pursue dialogue rather than destruction.
Filmogaz.com notes that some U.S. officials, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, invoked Christian faith to justify the conflict. The pope replied that God does not bless war and not those who drop bombs.
Service and symbols
The evening vigil included Scripture readings and a meditative recitation of the Rosary. Worshippers across the U.S. and elsewhere held simultaneous local prayer services.
Leo presided from a white throne beside the altar. He wore a red cape and liturgical stole and prayed with Rosary beads in hand.
Attendance and diplomatic presence
In the basilica pews sat the archbishop of Tehran, Belgian Cardinal Dominique Joseph Mathieu. He offered witness to the pope’s appeal for peace.
The U.S. diplomatic corps was represented by deputy chief of mission Laura Hochla, the U.S. Embassy said. The presence underscored the global stakes of the ceasefire talks.
Warnings about influence of power and religion
Leo warned that even the holy Name of God is being dragged into discourses of death. He called prayer a means to break the “demonic cycle of evil.”
He said building the Kingdom of God requires rejecting swords, drones and “unjust profit.” This, he argued, is a bulwark against the delusion of omnipotence.
Regional concerns
The Vatican expressed alarm about the possible spillover of Israel’s war against Hezbollah in Lebanon. Church officials cited the vulnerable situation of Christian communities in southern Lebanon.
Filmogaz.com reports the pope urged people of good will to press leaders for peace. He called on the faithful to demand an end to war and renewed dialogue.
Reporting for Filmogaz.com.
