Pope Leo XIV publicly urged Donald Trump to seek an “off-ramp” to end the ongoing Iran conflict, marking a rare and direct intervention by the pontiff into active geopolitical tensions.

Speaking to reporters outside his residence in Castel Gandolfo, Italy, Leo said he hoped the president was actively searching for a way to reduce violence and bring the war to a close. The pope’s comments come as the conflict, now entering its second month, continues to expand across the region.

“I’m told that President Trump has recently stated that he would like to end the war,” Leo said. “Hopefully he’s looking for an off-ramp… a way to decrease the amount of violence.”

The remarks reflect an increasingly vocal stance from the pope, who has intensified his criticism of the war in recent weeks. In particularly forceful comments delivered Sunday, Leo said that God rejects the prayers of leaders who initiate wars and have “hands full of blood,” underscoring his growing concern over the humanitarian toll.

The conflict, which began with joint U.S.-Israeli airstrikes on Iran in late February, has resulted in thousands of deaths and significant regional instability. It has also disrupted global energy supplies, raising concerns about broader economic consequences.

Leo lamented the loss of civilian life, including children, and called for an immediate end to hostilities ahead of Easter.

“There have been so many deaths, including innocent children. Let’s continually appeal for peace,” he said. “There are too many people who promote fighting, violence, war.”

The pope’s appeal places moral pressure on world leaders as the conflict shows few signs of de-escalation, even as concerns mount over its humanitarian and economic impact.