In a Palm Sunday Mass, Pope Leo XIV rejected claims that God supports war, emphasizing prayers for those affected by conflicts in the Middle East.
Pope Leo XIV addressed tens of thousands in St. Peter's Square on March 29, 2026, condemning the use of God to legitimize war during Palm Sunday Mass. He stated that Jesus, as King of Peace, rejects such justifications and does not listen to the prayers of those with 'hands full of blood,' referencing a Bible passage.
Pope's Call for Peace in the Middle East
The pontiff specifically prayed for Christians in the Middle East suffering from ongoing conflicts, noting that many cannot fully observe holy days due to the violence. He has repeatedly advocated for an immediate ceasefire in the Iran war, which entered its second month on that date.
In recent weeks, Pope Leo XIV has intensified his criticism of the Iran conflict, describing military airstrikes as indiscriminate and calling for their prohibition. He emphasized that airplanes should serve as carriers of peace, not instruments of destruction.
Without naming specific leaders, the pope highlighted the broader issue of religious rhetoric in warfare. This comes as some US officials, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, have used Christian language to defend US-Israeli strikes on Iran that began on February 28, 2026.
As the first US-born pope, Leo XIV began his first pre-Easter week since his election in May 2025. His remarks underscore his ongoing efforts to promote dialogue and peace amid global crises, including the current situation in the Middle East.
The pope's statements align with his previous appeals, such as denouncing threats from the sky and urging sincere dialogue to address international conflicts. This event took place in Vatican City, drawing global attention to the intersection of faith and warfare.
