Pope Leo says war on Iran fails Catholic ‘just war’ criteria

NEWS SUMMARY

Pope Leo stated on June 7, 2026, that the US-Israel war on Iran fails to meet Catholic criteria for a "just war," a position he reiterated in Madrid. He argued that modern weaponry's destructive capacity invalidates traditional just war theory, directly contradicting US Vice President JD Vance's defense of the conflict.

Full BriefGenerated 0m ago

Pope Leo said the US-Israel war on Iran does not meet the standards of a “just war” under Catholic teaching, reiterating a position he has previously expressed during a visit to Madrid. Responding to reporters, the head of the Catholic Church said: “In Iran, the criteria for a just war are not present.

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