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Geopolitics · Iran War · Pope Leo · Religious Ethics
Pope Leo, the first US Pope, forcefully condemned leaders who initiate wars and invoke religious justification, stating God rejects their prayers and their "hands are full of blood," as the Iran war entered its second month.
Addressing tens of thousands in St. Peter’s Square on Palm Sunday, the pontiff called the conflict "atrocious" and emphasized that Jesus cannot justify any wars.
He cited a Bible passage, stating Jesus "does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war." While not naming specific leaders, Pope Leo has escalated his criticism of the Iran war in recent weeks, repeatedly calling for an immediate ceasefire and banning indiscriminate military airstrikes. The article notes some US officials, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, have used Christian language to justify joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran that began the conflict on February 28.
Hegseth reportedly prayed for "overwhelming violence of action against those who deserve no mercy." Pope Leo countered this by referencing Jesus's rejection of violence, stating Jesus "did not arm himself, or defend himself, or fight any war." The Pope also lamented that 1.4 billion Christians in the Middle East are suffering the consequences and may not celebrate Easter.
The pontiff has criticized the war in Iran and appealed to Catholic faithful to press their political representatives to end the conflict.
