By Micah Jonah, March 13, 2026
Pope Leo XIV addressed priests on Friday, suggesting that Christian political leaders responsible for armed conflicts should go to confession, examine whether their actions align with the teachings of Christ. He did not name any specific leaders or conflicts.
The pope’s remarks come amid ongoing tensions surrounding the Iran war, which began with U.S.-Israeli airstrikes on February 28. Pope Leo emphasized that confession is not only a personal spiritual practice but also promotes peace and unity in society.
The Catholic Church generally opposes war, evaluates conflicts through the just war tradition, which assesses whether a conflict is morally justified, such as repelling an unjust invasion. Washington, D.C. Cardinal Robert McElroy recently commented that the U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran did not meet these moral criteria.
By urging leaders to reflect on conscience and seek forgiveness, Pope Leo reinforces the Church’s call for nonviolence and moral responsibility in political decision-making.
