Pope Leo calls Trump's threat against Iran unacceptable

Pope Leo XIV said on Tuesday that threats against the people of Iran are "unacceptable". He made the unusual statement just hours after US President Donald Trump shocked world leaders on social media by saying that "all civilisation will die tonight".

"Today, as we all know, there was this threat against the entire Iranian people and that is really unacceptable," said the Pope, who has become an outspoken critic of the war in Iran . "There are certainly questions of international law here, but even more so it is a moral question for the good of the people (of the world)," he said.

It is rare for a pope, who leads 1.4 billion Catholics around the world, to respond directly to the words of a world leader.

Leo, who is also known for choosing his words carefully, has in recent weeks escalated his criticism of the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran. Last week, the Pope for the first time directly appealed to Trump, urging him to find a "detour" to end the conflict .

Speaking to reporters outside his residence in Castel Gandolfo, Italy, on Tuesday, he urged citizens around the world to contact their political representatives and ask them to end the widening regional conflict.

"People want peace," he said. "I would urge citizens of all countries involved to contact their authorities - political leaders, congressmen - and ask them to work for peace."

The Pope also said attacks on civilian infrastructure "are contrary to international law." Trump has threatened to destroy all bridges and power plants in Iran.

(reuters, im)