Pakistan, June 7 -- Pope Leo XIV has said the war being waged by the United States and Israel against Iran cannot be considered a "just war," rejecting arguments used to justify the military campaign. The remarks are significant because they challenge a key defense of the conflict advanced by senior US officials. The comments affect ongoing international debate over the legality, morality, and consequences of military action against Iran.

Speaking to journalists aboard a flight from Rome to Madrid, the pope was asked whether the conflict met the criteria of the centuries-old just war doctrine. The question followed remarks by US Vice President JD Vance, who had cited the concept while defending Washington's actions. In response, Pope Leo...