world 11 April 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Pope Leo Calls for End to 'Madness of War' Amid US-Iran Peace Talks in Pakistan
Pope Leo passionately urged global leaders to halt the 'madness of war' during a prayer vigil, coinciding with US and Iranian officials meeting in Pakistan to resolve their six-week conflict. He condemned the misuse of religion to justify violence and echoed past papal calls for peace. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/world/pope-leo-urges-end-to-madness-of-war-as-us-iran-start-talks-5420494
Pope Leo made a fervent plea on Saturday for an end to the ‘madness of war’ as top US and Iranian representatives began talks in Pakistan aimed at resolving their ongoing six-week conflict.
Speaking at a special prayer vigil in St. Peter’s Basilica, the first US-born pope criticized the invocation of religious rhetoric to support warfare. He warned of a ‘delusion of omnipotence’ making situations unpredictable and directly called on leaders: ‘Stop! It is time for peace! Sit at the table of dialogue and mediation, not at the table where rearmament is planned.’
Leo highlighted letters from children in war zones describing ‘horror and inhumanity,’ and referenced Pope John Paul II’s opposition to the 2003 Iraq invasion. ‘Enough of the idolatry of self and money! Enough of the display of power! Enough of war!’ he declared.
The pontiff reiterated that God rejects prayers from warmongers with ‘hands full of blood’ and stated, ‘The balance within the human family has been severely destabilized. Even the holy Name of God, the God of life, is being dragged into discourses of death.’
This vigil followed Leo’s announcement in his Easter message, positioning him as a vocal opponent of the Iran conflict.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)