Pope Leo XIV delivered an impassioned appeal on Saturday for world leaders to end what he called the “madness of war” — as senior US and Iranian officials met in Pakistan to discuss ending a six-week conflict that has drawn in global powers, including the United Kingdom.
At a special prayer vigil in St. Peter’s Basilica, the first US-born pope decried the use of religious language to justify war and warned that a “delusion of omnipotence that surrounds us … is becoming increasingly unpredictable.”
“Stop! It is time for peace! Sit at the table of dialogue and mediation, not at the table where rearmament is planned,” Leo said, addressing world leaders directly.
What is Happening Between the US and Iran?
Senior US and Iranian officials met in Pakistan on Saturday for the first direct diplomatic engagement since the conflict began. The war erupted after joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran and has caused hundreds of military and civilian casualties, disrupted global oil supplies, and raised fears of a wider regional conflict.
The United Kingdom has been a key ally of the United States throughout the conflict, providing military, diplomatic, and humanitarian support.
ContributionDetailsMilitary supportUK warships deployed to the Persian Gulf to protect commercial shippingDiplomatic backingThe Prime Minister’s office has repeatedly voiced support for US actionsSanctions coordinationUK working with the US and EU on sanctions against Iranian targetsHumanitarian aidUK pledged £10 million for civilian relief
British nationals have also been evacuated from the region, and the UK government has urged restraint while maintaining its alliance with Washington.
The pope, known for choosing his words carefully, used unusually forceful language to denounce the conflict. He cited letters from children in war zones, which he said described “horror and inhumanity.”
“Enough of the idolatry of self and money!” Leo said. “Enough of the display of power! Enough of war!”
The pope also referenced the Catholic Church’s opposition to the 2003 US-led invasion of Iraq — a conflict in which the UK was also a major participant under then-Prime Minister Tony Blair.
Pope Leo specifically denounced the use of Christian language to justify war.
“The balance within the human family has been severely destabilized,” he said. “Even the holy Name of God, the God of life, is being dragged into discourses of death.”
Conservative Catholic commentators have interpreted the pope’s comments as aimed, at least in part, at US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who has invoked Christian language to justify the strikes on Iran.
The UK also faces its own debate about faith and military action. Senior Anglican bishops have privately expressed unease about the war, though the Church of England has stopped short of directly criticising the government.
What Happens Next
EventTimelineUS-Iran talks in PakistanOngoingPossible ceasefireDays to weeks if talks progressVatican diplomatic pushPope likely to send envoys to both Washington and TehranUK parliamentary scrutinyOpposition parties may demand debate on the UK’s role
Pope Leo’s intervention adds significant moral pressure on both Washington and Tehran to find a diplomatic solution.
For the UK, the key question is whether the government will continue its full backing of the US — or begin to distance itself as civilian casualties mount and the pope calls for peace.
The “madness of war” the pope describes has already cost lives, money, and global stability. Whether the talks in Pakistan succeed may determine if that madness continues — or finally ends.
Sources: Reuters, Vatican News, UK Foreign Office, Church of England statements
