Pope Leo XIV Condemns War, Says God Rejects Prayers of Leaders With “Blood on Their Hands”
Pope Leo XIV has delivered one of his strongest condemnations yet of global conflict, declaring that God rejects the prayers of leaders who wage wars and carry “hands full of blood,” as tensions surrounding the Iran conflict continue to intensify.
Speaking before tens of thousands of worshippers gathered at St. Peter’s Square during Palm Sunday celebrations, the pontiff used the solemn occasion to call for peace, compassion and an immediate end to violence across the Middle East.
Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week leading up to Easter for the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics, and Pope Leo used the moment to emphasize that Christianity should never be used to justify warfare or bloodshed. “This is our God: Jesus, King of Peace, who rejects war, whom no one can use to justify war,” the pope told the massive crowd gathered under bright sunshine in Vatican City.
In a deeply emotional address, the pope referenced biblical scripture, warning that God turns away from the prayers of those responsible for violence and destruction. “Even though you make many prayers, I will not listen: your hands are full of blood,” he quoted from the Bible, reinforcing his message that faith cannot coexist with unjust warfare.
Although Pope Leo did not directly mention any political leaders or governments, his comments come amid growing global concern over the escalating Iran conflict, which has now entered its second month. The Vatican leader has increasingly voiced alarm over the humanitarian consequences of the war, repeatedly urging world powers to pursue peace and diplomacy instead of military escalation.
The pope also expressed sorrow for Christians and civilians trapped in the Middle East, lamenting that many may be unable to celebrate Easter due to the devastating impact of the conflict.
“Christians in the Middle East are suffering the consequences of an atrocious conflict,” he said during a special appeal following the Palm Sunday Mass.
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Known for his measured and carefully chosen statements, Pope Leo has in recent weeks intensified calls for an immediate ceasefire while condemning indiscriminate military attacks. Earlier in the week, he warned against the use of airstrikes, insisting that violence against civilians must never be normalized.
His remarks come amid ongoing international debate over religious rhetoric surrounding the conflict. Some American officials have publicly invoked Christian language in support of the joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran launched on February 28, which triggered the expanding war.
Among them is Pete Hegseth, who recently led Christian prayer services at the Pentagon and prayed for “overwhelming violence of action” against enemies involved in the conflict.
However, Pope Leo’s Palm Sunday message sharply contrasted with such rhetoric, stressing that Jesus himself rejected violence even in the face of persecution and death.
Referencing the biblical moment before Christ’s crucifixion, the pope recalled how Jesus rebuked a follower for using a sword against an arresting officer. “Jesus did not arm himself, or defend himself, or fight any war,” Pope Leo declared. “He revealed the gentle face of God, who always rejects violence. Rather than saving himself, he allowed himself to be nailed to the cross.”
The Vatican’s message is expected to resonate strongly among Catholics and peace advocates worldwide as calls grow louder for diplomacy, humanitarian relief and an end to the devastating conflict in the Middle East.
