Faith Leaders Slam Trump’s Weaponization of Religion to Justify War

Religious leaders in Chicago are sounding the alarm over President Donald Trump’s increasingly belligerent and profane social media posts targeting Iran, which dangerously invoke divine sanction for war. Cardinal Blase Cupich, who leads the Archdiocese of Chicago, told WBEZ and the Chicago Sun-Times that diplomacy—not force—is the only path to real peace.

“Peace can’t be imposed by force. It never works,” Cupich said, condemning the way political leaders have historically twisted scripture to justify violence. “Most people see through that.”

The backlash follows Trump’s Easter message demanding Iran open the Strait of Hormuz by a set deadline “or you’ll be living in Hell – JUST WATCH! Praise be to Allah,” and threats to wipe out Iranian civilization. Even the American pope called these comments “truly unacceptable.”

At the Pentagon, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth further stoked tensions by crediting “divine providence” for a recent ceasefire, praising the military’s efforts as protected by God. Cupich warned against such biblical references being co-opted to advance war aims.

This episode exposes a disturbing pattern where Trump’s administration weaponizes religion to legitimize aggressive foreign policy, risking not only international stability but also the integrity of faith traditions. As Cardinal Cupich emphasizes, true peace requires dialogue and diplomacy, not threats cloaked in religious rhetoric.