Pope Leo XIV delivered a forceful condemnation of using religious justification for warfare during his Palm Sunday Mass at St. Peter's Square, addressing tens of thousands of faithful gathered for the Holy Week celebration. The first American-born pontiff's message came as conflicts continue to rage in the Middle East, with particular focus on the ongoing Iran war that entered its second month.
Speaking from the steps of St. Peter's Basilica, the Pope emphasized that Jesus Christ represents peace rather than violence, directly challenging those who invoke divine authority to legitimize military action. His remarks appeared to respond to recent statements by some officials who have used Christian rhetoric to defend military operations.
Brothers and sisters, this is our God: Jesus, King of Peace, who rejects war, whom no one can use to justify war. He does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war, but rejects them, saying: 'Even though you make many prayers, I will not listen: your hands are full of blood'
Pope Leo XIV — Euronews
The papal message took on added significance given recent developments in US military policy. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had prayed for overwhelming violence against enemies during a Pentagon religious service earlier in the week, highlighting the tension between religious faith and military action that the Pope directly addressed.
During the traditional Palm Sunday celebration, worshippers packed the Vatican colonnades carrying olive branches and palm fronds to be blessed. The Pope used the symbolism of Christ's peaceful entry into Jerusalem to contrast with contemporary violence, drawing parallels between Jesus facing crucifixion and modern victims of warfare.
NPR provides straightforward reporting on the Pope's rejection of using God to justify war. The coverage focuses on the religious message and prayers for Middle Eastern Christians without political commentary.