Pope Leo’s Strong Message on the Iran Conflict
VATICAN CITY — On Sunday, Pope Leo delivered a striking message as the war in Iran approached its second month, declaring that God dismisses the prayers of leaders responsible for the conflict, asserting that their “hands are covered in blood.”
Speaking to a large crowd in St. Peter’s Square during Palm Sunday—an important event that marks the beginning of Holy Week for the 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide—the Pope labeled the ongoing war as “terrible.” He emphasized that Jesus cannot be used as a justification for any form of war.
“This is our God. Jesus, the King of peace, who rejects war. No one can use Jesus to justify war,” he stated under the bright sun.
Pope Leo quoted scripture, making it clear that “(Jesus) does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war,” adding, “No matter how many times you pray, I will not listen. Your hands are covered in blood.”
While he refrained from naming specific leaders, Leo has been increasingly vocal about his opposition to the conflict in recent weeks.
Following the Palm Sunday celebrations, he expressed concern over Christians in the Middle East who are suffering due to the violence and may not have the means to celebrate Easter this year.
The Pope, known for his thoughtful speech, has persistently demanded an immediate ceasefire and, just the day after, criticized military airstrikes as indiscriminate, calling for their prohibition.
Some U.S. officials have used Christian rhetoric to justify the joint U.S.-Israeli attack on Iran, which commenced the war. For instance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has begun holding Christian services at the Pentagon and prayed about “overwhelming acts of violence against people who do not deserve mercy” during a recent service.
In his sermon, Leo referenced a moment from the Bible where Jesus rebukes a follower who strikes an arresting soldier with a sword. He remarked, “(Jesus) didn’t take up arms, defend himself, or wage war. He revealed the gentle face of God, who always rejects violence. Rather than save himself, he allowed himself to be nailed to the cross.”
