Pope Leo has declared that God rejects the prayers of leaders who wage wars, delivering a forceful condemnation as the Iran conflict entered its second month.
Addressing tens of thousands gathered at St. Peter’s Square on Palm Sunday, the pontiff described the ongoing conflict as “atrocious” and warned against using religion to justify violence.
“This is our God: Jesus, King of Peace, who rejects war, whom no one can use to justify war,” Leo told the crowd.
He added: “(Jesus) does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war, but rejects them, saying: ‘Even though you make many prayers, I will not listen: your hands are full of blood’.”
The pope did not name specific leaders, but his remarks come amid escalating tensions involving Iran and a broader regional conflict.
In a further appeal, Leo warned that Christians in the Middle East are bearing the brunt of the violence and may be unable to mark Easter.
He said Christians in the region “are suffering the consequences of an atrocious conflict”.
The pontiff, the first American pope, has in recent weeks intensified calls for an immediate ceasefire, stressing that military airstrikes are indiscriminate and should be banned.
His comments follow controversial statements from some US officials, including Pete Hegseth, who prayed for “overwhelming violence of action against those who deserve no mercy” during a Pentagon service.
In his homily, Leo referenced a biblical account of Jesus rejecting violence even in the face of arrest.
“(Jesus) did not arm himself, or defend himself, or fight any war,” he said. “He revealed the gentle face of God, who always rejects violence. Rather than saving himself, he allowed himself to be nailed to the cross.”
As the war deepens and humanitarian concerns mount, the pope’s remarks mark one of his strongest moral rebukes yet of global leaders engaged in armed conflict.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
