Pope Leo delivered a sermon on Palm Sunday condemning the prolonged Iran war as it entered its second month. He stated that God rejects the pleas of those with "blood-stained hands" and warned world leaders against using religious faith to justify bloodshed.
Pope Leo celebrated Mass on Palm Sunday before tens of thousands of Christians at St. Peter's Square in Vatican City to begin Holy Week leading up to Easter. He gave an especially forceful and direct message regarding the escalating war situation in Iran.
Pope Leo, the first American pontiff, said under the bright sunlight that Jesus Christ is the "King of Peace" who rejects war, and no one may invoke His name to legitimize armed conflict.
The pope cited scripture saying, "He does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war but rejects them, saying, 'No matter how much you pray, we will not hear you because your hands are covered with blood.'"
Although he did not name any world leaders specifically, this message comes amid his increasing criticism of the Iran war over recent weeks. He expressed sorrow for Middle Eastern Christians enduring "brutal conflict" that may prevent them from celebrating Easter, called for an immediate ceasefire, and condemned indiscriminate airstrikes.
The Vatican's stance emerges while some senior U.S. officials have sought to use Christian religious language to justify the February 28 joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran. Notably, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth recently held a prayer ceremony at the Pentagon, asking for "overwhelming violence against those undeserving of mercy."
At the end of his homily, Pope Leo recalled the biblical account when Jesus forbade his disciples from using swords during his arrest. He emphasized that Jesus revealed the gentle face of a God who always rejects violence and chose to be crucified rather than take up arms in self-defense.
.sourceReuters