Pope Leo XIV is a frequent critic of the war in Iran and has criticized leaders for using religion to justify the conflict.

Pope Leo XIV is a frequent critic of the war in Iran and has criticized leaders for using religion to justify the conflict.

“As a pastor, I cannot be in favor of war,” the Pope said.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth dismissed Pope Leo's criticism of the Iran conflict, stating, "Pope's gonna do his thing, that's fine," during a Pentagon press briefing.

US defense secretary’s openly Christian nationalist church continues to have growing influence in the White House