Pope Leo XIV used his Palm Sunday homily to criticize “those who wage war,” as the war in Iran stretched into its fifth week.
Watch a clip from White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt’s press briefing in the video player above.
“This is our God: Jesus, King of Peace, who rejects war, whom no one can use to justify war,” Leo said during Mass in St. Peter’s Square. “He does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war, but rejects them.”
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The pope also quoted the Book of Isaiah from the Old Testament of the Bible: “Even though you make many prayers, I will not listen: Your hands are full of blood.”
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt was asked about Leo’s remarks during a news briefing on Monday and said U.S. leaders have turned to prayer “during the most turbulent times in our nation’s history.”
“I don’t think there’s anything wrong with our military leaders or with the president calling on the American people to pray for our service members and those who are serving our country overseas,” she said. “In fact, I think it’s a very noble thing to do, and if you talk to many service members, they will tell you they appreciate the prayers and support.”
Last week, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth prayed for “overwhelming violence” against enemies during a Christian worship service at the Pentagon.
