Pope Francis sharply criticized US President Donald Trump's threats to destroy Iranian civilization, UNN reports with reference to AP.
"Today, as we all know, a threat was made against the entire people of Iran. This is absolutely unacceptable," said Pope Leo XIV, adding that any attacks on civilian infrastructure violate international law.
In one of his sharpest speeches against war, Leo called on Americans and other people of good will to contact their political leaders and congressional representatives to demand that they renounce war and work for peace.
His statements to reporters on Tuesday came as he was leaving his country residence in Castel Gandolfo, south of Rome, just hours before the deadline set by Trump for Iran to surrender and open the Strait of Hormuz.
Context
US leader Donald Trump issued a harsh threat to Iran, stating that "an entire civilization will perish tonight" as the deadline for Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz approaches.
Recall
Trump previously threatened to destroy Iranian power plants and other civilian infrastructure, stating that the country would face dire consequences if it did not open the Strait of Hormuz by 8:00 PM ET on Tuesday. Trump had previously set several deadlines that were subsequently changed.
The President and the White House dismissed concerns that striking such infrastructure could be a war crime.