VATICAN CITY — In the days after President Donald Trump unleashed a military attack on Iran, the Catholic Church was quickly on a war-footing — against the war. Pope Leo XIV’s first response was a tempered call for peace using a finely honed restraint that he has largely repeated. They have a nostalgia for the direct approach of Pope Francis,” one of the Vatican officials said. Trump’s “letter to Pope Leo had nothing to do with July Fourth America 250 celebrations,” the official said, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss the diplomacy surrounding the invitation. The Vatican has refused to confirm or deny whether the account belonged to the future pope.

Source: Washington Post March 15, 2026 12:01 UTC