Pope Condemns War Leaders, Says God Rejects Their Prayers

During Palm Sunday services at the Vatican, Pope Leo delivered strong criticism of military leaders, stating that God will not hear the prayers of those who initiate warfare. The pontiff's comments come as the Iran conflict continues into its second month.

VATICAN CITY – In powerful remarks delivered during Palm Sunday services, Pope Leo declared that divine intervention turns away from military leaders who initiate conflicts, describing them as having “blood-stained hands.”

Speaking to massive crowds gathered in St. Peter’s Square during Christianity’s most sacred week before Easter, the pontiff emphasized that Jesus Christ cannot be invoked to support military actions. The event drew tens of thousands of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics under clear skies.

“This represents our divine savior: Jesus, the Prince of Peace, who condemns warfare and cannot be claimed by anyone to support military conflict,” declared Leo, who became the first American to hold the papal office.

The pope continued his message by referencing biblical scripture: “(Jesus) turns away from the petitions of warmongers, dismissing them with these words: ‘Though you offer countless prayers, I shall not hear them: blood stains your hands.'”

While avoiding direct identification of specific global figures, Leo has intensified his opposition to the Iranian conflict over recent weeks.

The pontiff, recognized for his deliberate choice of language, has consistently demanded an immediate halt to hostilities and declared earlier this week that aerial bombardments lack precision and should be prohibited.

Several American officials have employed religious terminology to defend the combined American-Israeli military operations against Iran that began February 28, sparking the widening conflict.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who has introduced Christian worship gatherings at the Pentagon, offered prayers during Wednesday’s service requesting “devastating force against enemies who merit no compassion.”

During Sunday’s address, Leo drew upon biblical accounts of Jesus’s arrest before his execution, when Christ criticized a supporter who attacked his captor with a blade.

“(Jesus) carried no weapons, mounted no defense, and participated in no battles,” Leo explained. “He demonstrated God’s compassionate nature, which consistently opposes violence. Instead of preserving his own life, he accepted crucifixion.”