Pope Leo XIV has condemned attempts to invoke God or religion to justify armed conflict, warning that such actions contradict the teachings of Jesus, the “King of Peace,” as the US-Israel-Iran war enters its second month.
The pontiff made the statement during Palm Sunday Mass at St Peter’s Square, addressing tens of thousands of worshippers.
“Brothers and sisters, this is our God: Jesus, King of Peace, who rejects war, whom no one can use to justify war,” Leo said. “He does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war, but rejects them.”
He added that he was praying especially for Christians in the Middle East “suffering the consequences of an atrocious conflict,” many of whom cannot fully observe the rites of Holy Week.
The Pope urged global leaders and believers to pursue reconciliation, saying: “Their trials appeal to the conscience of all. Let us raise our prayers to the Prince of Peace so that he may support people wounded by war and open concrete paths of reconciliation and peace.”
The remarks come amid sustained US-Israeli military operations against Iran and its allies, which have caused widespread civilian casualties, displacement and destruction of infrastructure, including religious sites.
