U.S. Cardinals Discuss Pope Leo XIV's Stances on Iran Conflict and Immigration

Three prominent U.S. Catholic cardinals have publicly discussed the positions of Pope Leo XIV, the first U.S.-born pontiff, on international conflict and domestic immigration policy.

Their comments followed recent public statements made by the pope on these issues.

Papal Statements on the Iran Conflict

Pope Leo XIV, born Robert Prevost in Chicago, has made several public comments regarding the conflict between the United States and Iran.

• In a March interview, the pope stated he was "praying for peace" and expressed hope that a ceasefire would be "the most effective way to work together to find peace."
• Following a ceasefire announcement, the pope described a threat to destroy Iranian civilization as "truly unacceptable." He urged people to contact political leaders "to work for peace and to reject war always."
• In a separate Palm Sunday homily, Pope Leo XIV stated that Jesus "does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war."

Cardinals' Analysis of the Conflict

In a joint interview, Cardinals Joseph Tobin of Newark, Robert McElroy of Washington D.C., and Blase Cupich of Chicago discussed the church's perspective.

Cardinal Robert McElroy stated that, according to Catholic teaching, the conflict with Iran does not meet the criteria for a just war, which he said requires a focused aim to restore justice and peace. He described the war as a "war of choice."

Cardinal Blase Cupich criticized the portrayal of military action on social media, stating that splicing movie cuts with actual bombing footage turns suffering "into entertainment." He called this practice "sickening" and said it dehumanizes victims.

Comments on U.S. Immigration Policy

The cardinals also addressed U.S. immigration enforcement, linking it to concerns within their congregations.

• Cardinal Joseph Tobin previously referred to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as a "lawless organization." He clarified that this description was based on actions where, he stated, agents "have to hide their identities to terrify people" or "violate other guarantees of our Constitution and Bill of Rights."
• Cardinal Robert McElroy reported a 30% decline in attendance at Spanish-language masses in his archdiocese compared to the previous year. He attributed this decrease to fear within immigrant communities.
• Cardinal McElroy stated the church's objection is to what he described as the "roundup" of people who have been living in the U.S. for extended periods, have raised families, and have children who are citizens.

When asked about Catholic voters, Cardinal Blase Cupich said he would "like to know what Catholics feel about this indiscriminate mass deportation" and suggested "the American people are saying, 'We really didn't vote for this.'"

Background and Related Church Initiatives

• Pope Leo XIV began his papacy in January with a speech criticizing U.S. military action in Venezuela. Following that speech, the Vatican's ambassador to the U.S. met with Pentagon officials. Church officials described the meeting as "unpleasant and contentious," while both the Pentagon and the Vatican later characterized it as a routine exchange.
• The Vatican is developing a job training program at the papal summer residence, Castel Gandolfo, focused on migrants and locals in need. The program aims to train approximately 1,000 people per year.
• Pope Leo XIV plans to visit Lampedusa, Italy, a common migrant landing point, on July 4. The cardinals suggested the visit signals a priority to be "with those who are downcast and marginalized."
• Cardinal Joseph Tobin reported a surge in converts and church attendance in his archdiocese, which he attributed in part to the influence of Pope Leo XIV.