Pope Leo XIV has strongly condemned ongoing military strikes against Iran by the United States and Israel, warning that war cannot be justified by faith.

In a statement posted on his official X account, the pontiff distanced Christianity from violence, insisting that followers of Jesus Christ must not support warfare, describing Him as the “Prince of Peace.”

“Anyone who is a disciple of Christ… is never on the side of those who once wielded the sword and today drop bombs,” he said.

The remarks come amid rising tensions in the Middle East following a series of strikes on Iranian targets, which have sparked fears of a wider regional conflict.

Rejecting the idea that military action can promote peace or democracy, the Pope stressed that “military action will not create space for freedom or times of peace,” urging instead for diplomacy and dialogue among nations.

However, the Vatican’s stance contrasts sharply with that of U.S. officials, including Pete Hegseth, who reportedly described the strikes as a “holy necessity” and called for divine support for military operations.

The differing views highlight a growing divide between the Vatican and governments in Washington and Tel Aviv, which have defended the strikes as necessary for regional security.

The Pope’s message has since gained traction online, with many seeing it as a strong call for the peaceful resolution of global conflicts.