CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy — Pope Leo XIV urged U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday to seek an “off-ramp” to end the Iran war, in a rare direct appeal from the pontiff as the regional conflict continues.
The U.S.-born pope made the remarks to journalists outside his residence in Castel Gandolfo, near Rome, while speaking ahead of Easter. “I’m told that President Trump has recently stated that he would like to end the war,” Pope Leo said. “Hopefully he’s looking for an off-ramp.”
He added that he hoped Trump would look for “a way to decrease the amount of violence, of bombing, which would be a significant contribution to removing the hatred that’s being created and that’s increasing constantly in the Middle East and elsewhere.”
The pope, the first from the United States, called on all world leaders to return to dialogue and find ways to reduce violence so that “peace, especially at Easter, might reign in our hearts,” according to reports from the encounter.
The comments come amid an ongoing conflict involving U.S. and Israeli military actions against Iran that began in late February or early March 2026. Details of specific casualty figures and the exact timeline of escalation remain unclear and are attributed differently by the parties involved.
The Trump administration has described its objectives in the conflict as targeting Iranian military capabilities and addressing perceived threats, while stating in recent days that the campaign is nearing completion of its goals. President Trump addressed the nation on Wednesday, asserting progress but providing no fixed timeline for an end to operations.
Iranian officials have denied certain U.S. claims regarding ceasefire overtures and have condemned the strikes. Multiple sides in the conflict have reported civilian impacts and infrastructure damage, though independent verification of the scale is limited.
Pope Leo has previously expressed concern over the conflict, appealing in March for an immediate cessation of hostilities and a halt to what he described as a spiral of violence. His latest remarks mark one of the most direct public references to President Trump by name on the issue.
The Vatican has long advocated for dialogue in Middle East conflicts. No immediate response from the White House to the pope’s comments was reported as of Friday.
As of April 3, 2026, the conflict remains active with no announced ceasefire or resolution. Fighting and diplomatic maneuvering continue, according to statements from involved parties.
