Pope Leo XIV has launched one of his strongest criticisms to date against the president of the United States, Donald Trump, by calling his threat to destroy Iranian civilization “truly unacceptable” if Tehran does not comply with his demands.
The Pontiff thus reacted to Trump's statements, who warned that “an entire civilization will die tonight” within the framework of the ultimatum to force the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the most important energy routes in the world.
From his residence in Castel Gandolfo, Leo XIV expressed his deep concern for the risk to the civilian population, stressing that any attack against civilian or social infrastructure would violate international law. Furthermore, he called on the international community —and especially American citizens— to pressure their leaders and prevent a war escalation.