Pope Leo XIV Calls For US-Iran Negotiations And Condemns Death Penalty
Pope urges US-Iran talks, condemns executions and migrant mistreatment.
Pope Leo XIV has called on the United States and Iran to return to diplomatic negotiations to end ongoing tensions, while also condemning capital punishment and urging a global shift toward what he described as a “culture of peace.” Speaking aboard the papal plane during his return journey from Africa, the Pope addressed a wide range of geopolitical and moral issues, including war, migration, and church doctrine.
The Pope urged both Washington and Tehran to reopen dialogue, saying the focus should not be on regime change but on preventing the loss of innocent lives. He stressed that resolving conflicts through violence only deepens global instability and said he personally carries the memory of victims of recent conflicts as a reminder of the human cost of war. He added that, as a religious leader, he cannot support war and instead advocates peaceful solutions rooted in dialogue.
Addressing the issue of capital punishment, Pope Leo strongly condemned the practice, stating that all human life must be respected and protected. He said the taking of life by states through executions is unjust and should be rejected. His remarks align with earlier reforms in Catholic teaching that declare the death penalty unacceptable under all circumstances.
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On migration, the Pope acknowledged that countries have the right to control their borders but warned against treating migrants with a lack of dignity. He said migrants must never be treated “worse than animals” and urged wealthier nations to address the root causes of migration, including poverty and lack of opportunity in developing countries.
He also commented on internal church debates, particularly regarding blessings for same-sex couples, stating that the unity of the Church should not be centred solely on sexual morality. The Pope suggested that broader issues such as justice, equality, and religious freedom deserve greater emphasis in moral discussions within the Church, rather than focusing predominantly on sexuality.
Throughout the press conference, Pope Leo also reflected on media coverage of his Africa visit and emphasized the importance of diplomatic engagement over public confrontation. He said the Vatican often achieves more through quiet diplomacy than through public criticism, particularly in matters involving political prisoners and human rights concerns, reinforcing his preference for behind-the-scenes negotiations in global affairs.
