Pope Leo XIV strongly condemned the war and appealed to world leaders
Pope Leo XIV issued a strong statement on wars, emphasizing that God rejects the prayers of leaders who instigate armed conflicts. His remarks came amid an escalation of the war with Iran, which has been ongoing for two months.
This was reported by Reuters.
During a sermon in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, delivered on Palm Sunday, the pontiff addressed tens of thousands of believers. This holiday marks the beginning of Holy Week leading up to Easter for more than 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide.
“This is our God: Jesus, the King of Peace, who rejects war, whom no one can use to justify war,” the pontiff declared.
He also emphasized that the Lord does not accept the prayers of those who wage war: “Even if you offer many prayers, I will not listen—your hands are full of blood.”
The Pope did not name specific political leaders, but he has recently spoken out more and more frequently against military action, particularly in the context of the conflict surrounding Iran.
After Mass, he noted that Christians in the Middle East “are suffering from the consequences of a terrible conflict” and may not be able to celebrate Easter.
Previously, the pontiff had repeatedly called for an immediate ceasefire and emphasized that airstrikes are indiscriminate and must be banned.
In his homily, he also recalled the biblical episode in which Jesus, before his arrest, stopped his disciple who was trying to use force.
“Jesus did not arm himself, did not defend himself, and did not wage any war. He revealed the gentle face of God, who always rejects violence. Instead of saving himself, he allowed himself to be nailed to the cross,” Pope Leo XIV concluded.
According to Reuters, some U.S. officials used Christian rhetoric to justify the joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran, which began on February 28 and contributed to the escalation of the conflict.
In particular, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hagset, who leads prayer services at the Pentagon, prayed during one of the services for “overwhelming force” against enemies who “do not deserve mercy.”
Earlier, Pope Leo had strongly condemned the airstrikes, calling them uncontrolled and something that should be banned. He reiterated his call for an end to the war and emphasized a humanistic approach.
During his weekly audience in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Leo XIV appealed to the international community to stop the bloodshed in Iran and Lebanon.
