Iranian officials praise Pope for criticizing "Israeli and U.S. war crimes”

Flags of the USA and Israel. Photo: ChiccoDodiFC/stock.adobe.com

Iranian officials have welcomed recent remarks by Pope Leo XIV, who criticized war and said he would not bow to pressure from the United States.

In a post on X, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said the pontiff’s words, “I have no fear,” came amid his condemnation of what Ghalibaf described as the “war crimes of Israel and the U.S..”

In his view, the pope’s stand “lights the path for all who refuse to stay silent on the killing of innocents” and reflects courageous leadership at a time of international tension.

Ghalibaf also thanked the pontiff, saying that his words “inspire millions.”

As previously reported by the UOJ, Pope Leo XIV said earlier that he is not afraid of Trump and will continue speaking out against wars.

Read also

The Primate of the OCA supported His Beatitude Onuphry after the strike on the Lavra

Metropolitan Tikhon condemned the military attacks on the ancient monastery and assured the flock of the UOC of unity and constant prayer.

Catholic bishop receives “blessing” from rabbi in synagogue in USA

Roman Catholic Church hierarch Mark Brennan, known for supporting blessings for gay couples, took part in a Jewish rite before retiring.

MFA accuses UNESCO of weakness over statement on Lavra

Ukraine's Foreign Ministry called it "absurd" that the international organization refused to directly name the perpetrator of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra shelling.

Zelensky discusses strike on Lavra with Patriarch Bartholomew

Volodymyr Zelensky and the Ecumenical Patriarch discussed possible formats for personal meetings.

Europe sees a record number of arson attacks on Christian churches

Human rights advocates from the organization OIDAC Europe have published a report on hate crimes against Christians.

Pope calls on Europeans to respect the dignity of migrants

The pontiff called helping refugees the main duty of the Church.