Pope Leo: God Ignores Prayers from Those Who Engage in War

In a powerful Palm Sunday message, Pope Leo sharply criticized warfare, stating that God disregards the prayers of those whose hands are stained with blood, as the hostilities in Iran approach their second month.

Addressing a crowd of tens of thousands at St. Peter’s Square, the Pope asserted that Jesus should never be invoked to justify acts of violence.

"This is our God: Jesus, King of Peace, who turns away from war, and whom no one can employ to rationalize violence," Pope Leo declared to the congregation basking in the bright sunlight of Holy Week. He added that God "does not respond to the prayers of those engaged in war but turns away from them, declaring, 'Despite your many prayers, I will not listen: Your hands are full of blood.'"

While the Pope refrained from naming specific leaders, his remarks come amidst growing criticism from the Vatican regarding the ongoing conflict in Iran. He has consistently called for an immediate ceasefire in recent weeks, describing military air strikes as indiscriminate.

In his latest urging, Pope Leo cited Jesus’s final hours prior to his arrest and crucifixion, emphasizing that violence was never part of his teachings. "(Jesus) did not arm himself or defend himself; he did not engage in any warfare," he explained. "He unveiled the gentle nature of God, who perpetually rejects violence. Instead of saving himself, he surrendered to being crucified."

These candid statements underscore the Vatican’s increasing concern regarding the situation as certain political leaders have increasingly employed religious rhetoric to justify military actions.