Pope Leo made forceful remarks on Sunday regarding the Iran conflict, stating that God rejects prayers from leaders who initiate wars and have “hands full of blood.” Addressing tens of thousands in St. Peter’s Square during Palm Sunday celebrations, the pontiff described the conflict as “atrocious” and Jesus as unfit to justify any war.
Citing a Bible passage, Leo said, “Even though you make many prayers, I will not listen: your hands are full of blood.” He did not name specific world leaders but has been increasing his criticism of the Iran war. The pope called for an immediate ceasefire in the conflict and condemned military airstrikes as indiscriminate.
U.S. officials have used Christian language to justify joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran, which began the expanding conflict. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who leads Christian prayer services at the Pentagon, prayed for “overwhelming violence of action against those who deserve no mercy.”
In his homily, Leo referenced Jesus’ gentle face and rejection of violence, emphasizing that he allowed himself to be crucified rather than fighting back.