Pope Leo yesterday (29) declared that God rejects the prayers of leaders who wage war, delivering a strong message as the Iran conflict entered its second month.

Addressing tens of thousands gathered at St. Peter’s Square for Palm Sunday, which marks the beginning of the holiest week leading up to Easter for the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics, the pontiff stressed that religion cannot be used to justify violence.

“This is our God: Jesus, King of Peace, who rejects war, whom no one can use to justify war,” he said.

The Pope added that God does not heed the prayers of those who engage in war. “Even though you make many prayers, I will not listen: your hands are full of blood,” he said, citing a passage from the Bible.

Although he did not name any specific leaders, Pope Leo has intensified his criticism of the Iran war in recent weeks, repeatedly calling for an immediate ceasefire.

Earlier this week, he also said that military airstrikes are indiscriminate and should be banned.

His remarks come amid reports that some US officials have invoked Christian prayer to justify joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran launched on 28 February, which triggered the current escalation.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who introduced Christian prayer services at the Pentagon, was reported to have prayed for “overwhelming violence of action against those who deserve no mercy” at a service last week.

Reinforcing his message, the Pope referenced a biblical account of Jesus rejecting violence at the time of his arrest.

“He did not arm himself, or defend himself, or fight any war,” the Pope said. “He revealed the gentle face of God, who always rejects violence.”

Rather than resisting, he said, Jesus accepted suffering, allowing himself to be crucified.

Reuters