President Donald Trump threatened on April 7 that “a whole civilization will die tonight” if Iran does not make a deal by 8 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, drawing a swift response from the leader of the U.S. Catholic bishops, who urged the president to reconsider his approach.
The exchange comes as tensions remain high following recent U.S. and Israeli military actions against Iran and growing concerns about escalating conflict in the region. Religious leaders have called for peace, citing moral and humanitarian grounds.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote: “A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again. I don’t want that to happen, but it probably will.” He added: “However, now that we have Complete and Total Regime Change, where different, smarter, and less radicalized minds prevail, maybe something revolutionarily wonderful can happen, WHO KNOWS? We will find out tonight… God Bless the Great People of Iran!” At an April 6 press briefing at the White House he told journalists: “The entire country can be taken out in one night, and that night might be tomorrow night.”
Archbishop Paul S. Coakley of Oklahoma City, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB), responded: “The threat of destroying a whole civilization and the intentional targeting of civilian infrastructure cannot be morally justified. There are other ways to resolve conflict between peoples.” Coakley referenced Pope Leo XIV’s recent appeals for peace during Holy Week and Easter: “I call on President Trump to step back from the precipice of war and negotiate a just settlement for the sake of peace and before more lives are lost.” The archbishop also invited Catholics across America to join Pope Leo’s planned prayer vigil for peace at St. Peter’s Basilica on April 11.
Military operations began February 28 with strikes killing Ayatollah Ali Khamenei among other Iranian leaders. In response to these attacks Iran closed off shipping through the Strait of Hormuz by striking vessels there—an action that has led to rising energy costs worldwide.
Polls indicate most Americans oppose Operation Epic Fury—the ongoing military campaign—citing increased energy prices as one reason for their opposition.
Other officials also weighed in on Trump’s comments. Vice President JD Vance described Iranian actions as “economic terrorism,” while Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer criticized Trump’s rhetoric online writing: “This is an extremely sick person.” Congressional Democrats have attempted but failed to pass resolutions limiting presidential war powers regarding military action in Iran.
Catholic leaders continue urging restraint; Archbishop Timothy P. Broglio questioned whether current military efforts meet Catholic just war criteria during an interview aired Easter Sunday.
Pope Leo XIV condemned war in his Easter message saying: “Let those who have weapons lay them down! Let those who have power… choose peace! Not a peace imposed by force but through dialogue!”
Coakley concluded his statement encouraging Catholics everywhere to pray with Pope Leo for global peace.
