Pope Leo delivered an unusually forceful rebuke of war-making leaders on Sunday, declaring that God rejects the prayers of those who initiate conflict. Speaking to tens of thousands in St. Peter’s Square for Palm Sunday, the pontiff cited scripture to condemn what he called an “atrocious” conflict as the Iran war entered its second month.
“This is our God: Jesus, King of Peace, who rejects war, whom no one can use to justify war,” the first U.S. pope told crowds gathered in brilliant sunshine for the celebration that opens Holy Week for the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics.
Citing a passage from the Book of Isaiah, Leo delivered his sharpest criticism of war leaders to date. “(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’,” he said.
Left: Christian faith leaders praying with President Trump
Right: Pope Leo on Palm Sunday, "Jesus does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war, he rejects then, saying: Even though you make many prayers I will not listen, your hands are full of blood" pic.twitter.com/Zc0IPxJLaZ
— Farrukh (@implausibleblog) March 29, 2026Although the pope did not name any world leaders specifically, he nevertheless linked his remarks to the escalating criticism of the Iran war. In recent weeks, he has repeatedly called for an immediate ceasefire and has argued that military airstrikes indiscriminately kill people and that leaders must therefore ban them.
Moreover, the pope’s homily drew an implicit contrast with some U.S. officials who have invoked Christian language to justify the conflict. For example, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth recently led a prayer service at the Pentagon, asking for “overwhelming violence of action against those who deserve no mercy.”
Read: Pope Leo Condemns Gaza Suffering and Calls for Peace in Christmas Address
In his Palm Sunday address, Leo instead emphasised a different vision of faith. Specifically, he referenced the Gospel account of Jesus rebuking a follower who struck out with a sword during his arrest. “(Jesus) did not arm himself, or defend himself, or fight any war,” Leo said. “He revealed the gentle face of God, who always rejects violence.”
Finally, the pontiff also expressed concern for Christians in the Middle East, noting that they “are suffering the consequences of an atrocious conflict” and may not be able to celebrate Easter.
