The pope also addressed the political crises in Latin America, including Venezuela, where he said he hoped "efforts to seek solutions will continue."

The U.S. executive branch has long been expanding its powers to wage war, writes Maryann Cusimano Love, but President Trump seems eager to go even further in acting without congressional authorization.

The statement from Archbishop Gomez comes five days after the U.S. launched a drone strike that killed Gen. Qassem Soleimani in Baghdad.

Pope Francis prayed for peace from St. Peter’s Square. “War only brings death and destruction,” he said. “I call on all parties to keep alive the flame of dialogue and self-control and avoid the shadow of enmity.”

If the U.S. were to directly bomb Iran, it could spark a war and lead to region-wide violence, potentially drawing other countries into a global conflict.

“War only brings death and destruction. I call on all parties to keep alive the flame of dialogue and self-control and avoid the shadow of enmity.”