How Pope Leo is pushing back on divine justification of war

12 hours ago

Pope Leo XIV publicly called for an end to the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran, urging President Trump to find an 'off-ramp' and negotiate, marking a rare direct reference to a world leader.
The Pope's stance contrasts with U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's view of divinely supported war, with Leo quoting scripture to reject violence and advocate for peace, including an 'Easter truce'.
Leo's opposition echoes Pope John Paul II's stance against the Iraq War, with figures like Cardinal McElroy supporting his view that the conflict does not meet 'just war' criteria and is 'manifestly unjust'.

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