Pope Leo issued a scathing rebuke of world leaders fueling the month-old Iran war during his Palm Sunday address, declaring that God rejects the prayers of those with “hands full of blood.”
Speaking to tens of thousands in St. Peter’s Square, the pontiff—the first American to lead the Catholic Church—categorically denied that religious faith can justify military aggression. He described the expanding conflict as “atrocious” and emphasized that Jesus, as the “King of Peace,” stands in direct opposition to warfare.
“This is our God: Jesus, King of Peace, who rejects war, whom no one can use to justify war,” Leo told the crowds. Citing biblical scripture, he warned that divine ears are closed to those waging war: “Even though you make many prayers, I will not listen: your hands are full of blood.”
While the Pope did not name specific individuals, his remarks highlight a deepening rift between the Holy See and Washington. The address follows the February 28 initiation of joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran, a campaign that some American officials have framed in explicitly religious terms.
The Pope’s homily serves as a stark counterpoint to the rhetoric emerging from the U.S. Department of Defense. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has recently drawn scrutiny for leading Christian prayer services within the Pentagon, including a Wednesday session where he prayed for “overwhelming violence of action against those who deserve no mercy.”
Leo addressed this ideology directly through the lens of the Passion, referencing the moment Jesus rebuked his followers for using a sword during his arrest. The pontiff maintained that military airstrikes are “indiscriminate” and should be banned under moral and international law.
The escalation comes as the conflict enters its second month, threatening the safety of the 1.4 billion Catholics represented by the papacy. Leo expressed grave concern for Christians in the Middle East, noting that the “atrocious conflict” may prevent thousands from celebrating Easter.
Since the war began, the Vatican has ramped up its calls for an immediate ceasefire. This latest intervention marks Leo’s most forceful attempt to strip away the religious veneer used by political leaders to validate the ongoing violence.
