Pope Leo XIV Calls for Peace on Easter as Trump Issues Fiery Warning to Iran

On one of Christianity's holiest days, two very different messages rang out across America and the world. While Pope Leo XIV delivered an Easter Sunday plea for peace, President Trump took to social media with a profanity-laced ultimatum aimed at Iran — a contrast that is drawing attention from religious leaders and everyday Americans alike.

The split-screen moment came as tensions over the Strait of Hormuz continue to escalate. Trump has threatened to bomb Iranian infrastructure — including bridges, energy, water, and oil facilities — if Tehran does not reopen the strategically critical waterway by Tuesday. On Easter morning, the president posted a message demanding that Iran "Open the F--kin' Strait, you crazy bastards, or you'll be living in Hell — JUST WATCH! Praise be to Allah."

The Pope's Easter Message

Pope Leo XIV, the first American-born pope, used his first Easter mass to call on the world to embrace the teachings of Jesus Christ — and to step back from the edge of war. His words were direct and universal in their appeal.

"Let us allow our hearts to be transformed by his immense love for us. Let those who have weapons lay them down. Let those who have the power to unleash wars choose peace! Not a peace imposed by force, but through dialogue! Not with the desire to dominate others, but to encounter them."

The pontiff has repeatedly spoken out against the Iran war in recent weeks. He and other U.S. Roman Catholic leaders have also voiced moral concern over the Trump administration's broader policies, including its immigration crackdown.

A Military Archbishop Weighs In

Archbishop Timothy Broglio, who leads the Catholic Archdiocese for the Military Services USA, also appeared on CBS News' "Face the Nation" on Easter Sunday. He acknowledged the complexity of war while grounding his comments in Catholic teaching.

Broglio said Jesus "certainly brought a message of peace" and that armed conflict is "always" a last resort. He allowed that Trump officials "may have information that led them to think" that war "was the only choice they had," but added that he couldn't make a judgment without knowing the full reasoning behind the decision to go to war.

"But I do think that it's hard to cast this war, you know, as something that would be sponsored by the Lord."

The White House Responds

The tension between the administration and Catholic leadership is not new. Last Monday, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt — herself a Catholic — was asked about a Palm Sunday homily in which Pope Leo said Jesus "does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war, but rejects them." Leavitt pushed back on the implicit criticism.

"We've seen presidents. We've seen the leaders of the Department of War, and we've seen our troops go to prayer during the most turbulent times in our nation's history."

Leavitt went on to defend the president's calls for prayer on behalf of U.S. service members.

"I don't think there's anything wrong with our military leaders or with the president calling on the American people to pray for our service members and those who are serving our country overseas. In fact, I think it's a very noble thing to do."

She also pointed to the perspective of those in uniform.

"And if you talk to many service members, they will tell you they appreciate the prayers and support from the commander in chief and from his Cabinet."

The White House did not respond to a request for comment on Easter Sunday regarding the pope's latest remarks.