Pope Leo XIV says 'delusion of omnipotence' is fueling war in Iran: 'Enough of war'

Pope Leo XIV sharply criticized the ongoing U.S.-Israeli war with Iran on Saturday, warning that what he called a “delusion of omnipotence” is driving the conflict and urging leaders to pursue peace instead of escalating violence.

Speaking during a prayer vigil at St. Peter’s Basilica, the Chicago-born pontiff called on world powers to abandon what he described as dangerous justifications for war, particularly those that invoke religion. 

Without naming specific leaders, he cautioned against using faith to legitimize military action and condemned the glorification of power and wealth.

“Enough of the idolatry of self and money,” Leo said, according to the Associated Press. “Enough of the display of power! Enough of war.”

Pope Leo encouraged prayers for peace to fight evil.

“It is here that we find a bulwark against 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.”