Pope Leo XIV delivered a stark warning to world leaders on Sunday, saying that God does not accept the prayers of those who wage war, as he opened Holy Week with a powerful appeal for peace.
Speaking to tens of thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square for Palm Sunday Mass, the pope described the ongoing Iran war as “atrocious” and firmly rejected any attempt to use religion to justify violence.
“This is our God: Jesus, King of Peace, who rejects war, whom no one can use to justify war,” he said.
Pope Leo XIV delivers a homily during the Palm Sunday Mass in Saint Peter’s Square at the Vatican, March 29, 2026. REUTERS/Remo Casilli TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
Strong rebuke of wartime rhetoric
Without naming specific leaders, the pope’s remarks come amid reports that some U.S. officials have invoked Christian language to support joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran that began on February 28.
Citing a passage from the Bible, Leo said God turns away from those responsible for bloodshed: “Even though you make many prayers, I will not listen: your hands are full of blood.”
The comments mark one of his most forceful condemnations yet since the conflict began, reflecting growing concern within the Vatican over the war’s human toll and global impact.
Pope Leo XIV blesses a baby as he leaves after Palm Sunday Mass in Saint Peter’s Square at the Vatican, March 29, 2026. REUTERS/Remo Casilli TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
Call for peace during Holy Week
Palm Sunday marks the beginning of the most sacred period in the Christian calendar, leading up to Easter. Addressing the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics, Leo emphasized that the message of Jesus is fundamentally incompatible with violence.
Referencing the moment before Christ’s arrest, he reminded the faithful that Jesus rejected the use of force, choosing not to defend himself.
“He did not arm himself, or defend himself, or fight any war,” the pope said. “He revealed the gentle face of God, who always rejects violence.”
Pope Leo XIV greets the faithful after the Palm Sunday Mass in Saint Peter’s Square at the Vatican, March 29, 2026. REUTERS/Francesco Fotia
Middle East Christians under strain
The pope also highlighted the suffering of Christian communities in the Middle East, warning that many may be unable to celebrate Easter due to the ongoing conflict.
He has repeatedly called for an immediate ceasefire in recent weeks, arguing that military airstrikes are indiscriminate and should be banned.
