How Pope Leo is pushing back on divine justification of war (cnn.com)

Pope Leo XIV urged U.S. and Israeli leaders to find an “off-ramp” to end the war with Iran, arguing that Jesus is “the King of Peace” and cannot be used to justify war. The article contrasts his approach with remarks from the U.S. defense secretary that frame the conflict as divinely supported, highlighting Leo’s calls for an Easter truce and negotiations. Church officials quoted in the story say the conflict may not meet Catholic criteria for a “just war,” warning against assuming God is on one side in morally illegitimate violence.