Pope Leo XIV has said God rejects the prayers of leaders who wage wars, stressing that violence cannot be justified in the name of religion.
Speaking at St. Peter’s Square during Palm Sunday, the pope told thousands that Jesus stands for peace, not conflict.
“Brothers and sisters, this is our God: Jesus, King of Peace, who rejects war, whom no one can use to justify war,” he said.
“He does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war… ‘your hands are full of blood.’”
The pope did not name any leaders, but his comments come as the war involving Iran enters its second month.
He has repeatedly called for a ceasefire and warned against indiscriminate attacks.
Leo also pointed to the example of Jesus, who chose nonviolence even in suffering.
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“Jesus did not arm himself, or defend himself, or fight any war,” he said. “He revealed the gentle face of God, who always rejects violence.”
He added that Christians in the Middle East are among those most affected by the conflict.
“Our prayers are with the Christians of the Middle East, who are suffering the consequences of an atrocious conflict,” he said.
Leo’s remarks come as some officials use religious language to support the war. Pete Hegseth recently prayed for “overwhelming force against those who deserve no mercy.”
The pope ended with a call for peace, urging efforts toward reconciliation and an end to the violence.