Pope Leo XIV urges President Trump and world leaders to end the U.S.-Israel war on Iran and seek peace ahead of Easter.
Newsroom (01/04/2026 Gaudium Press ) As Holy Week unfolds, Pope Leo XIV has issued an emotional appeal for an end to the ongoing U.S.-Israel war on Iran, urging world leaders to “come back to the table” and find solutions through dialogue before Easter Sunday.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday evening as he departed the papal retreat at Castel Gandolfo, the U.S.-born pontiff said he hoped recent signals from Washington might open the door to a ceasefire. “I’m told that President Trump has recently stated that he would like to end the war,” Leo said. “I hope that he’s looking for an off-ramp.”
With his words resonating through the old stone courtyard overlooking Lake Albano, the pope expressed cautious optimism that diplomatic breakthroughs might be possible. “Hopefully he’s looking for a way to decrease the amount of violence, of bombing, which would be a significant contribution to removing the hatred that’s being created — that’s increasing constantly in the Middle East and elsewhere,” he said.
An Easter plea for peace
The pontiff’s remarks come at the midpoint of Holy Week — the most sacred time of the Christian calendar, commemorating Jesus’ suffering, death, and resurrection. “It should be the holiest, most sacred time of the year,” he told reporters. “It is a time of peace, a time for much reflection. But once again, in many places in the world, we are seeing so much suffering, so many deaths, even innocent children.”
Appealing for a renewed global spirit of reconciliation, Leo added, “Let us pray for the victims of war, for those crushed by violence and hatred, that there may truly be a new, renewed peace, which can give new life to all.”
Throughout the Lenten and Holy Week observances, Leo XIV has framed his message around the image of a world “still crucified” by war and injustice. On Palm Sunday, he told worshippers in St. Peter’s Square that “God does not listen to the prayers of those who make war or invoke God to justify their violence,” a statement that appeared directed as much at policymakers as at believers.
Faith and geopolitics
Leo’s renewed appeal comes amid deepening global unease over the way faith has been used to legitimize recent conflicts. U.S. officials — most prominently Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth — have publicly described the campaign against Iran as an expression of Christian duty. Meanwhile, Russia’s Orthodox Church has portrayed the invasion of Ukraine as a “holy war” to defend morality against a fallen West.
Rejecting such narratives, Leo called on “all people of goodwill” to rediscover the spiritual essence of Holy Week. “Christ still suffers today,” he said, “in the innocent, in the victims of violence and war. We must walk with Him, carrying the suffering of others and being bearers of peace ourselves.”
Carrying the Cross
The Pope announced that he will personally carry the Cross during this Friday’s traditional Stations of the Cross at Rome’s Colosseum, an annual ceremony commemorating Christ’s Passion and crucifixion. “It will be an important sign,” Leo said, “because of what the Pope represents: a spiritual leader in today’s world, a voice to say that Christ still suffers.”
He pledged to offer prayers “for all those suffering due to violence, hatred, and war,” emphasizing his role as both shepherd and witness.
Looking ahead to Spain
Before concluding the informal briefing — attended by journalists, pilgrims, and local officials, including the mayor of Albano — the Pope was asked about his planned pastoral visit to Spain in June. He responded warmly: “Faith, much love, hospitality, and a warm welcome,” Leo said with a smile. “I have been visiting Spain for over 40 years and have always found a people of great faith and goodwill. I hope we can celebrate all of this during the visit.”
As Leo prepared to leave Castel Gandolfo for the Vatican ahead of the Good Friday liturgies, his message remained unmistakable: that Easter, a season rooted in resurrection and renewal, should be marked not by bombs but by peace.
“Peace, especially at Easter, must reign in our hearts,” the Pope said quietly. “That is my prayer — for the Middle East, and for the world.”
- Raju Hasmukh with files from Vatican News and Crux Now
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