Pope Leo says God rejects prayers of leaders who wage wars
The Star
Mar 29, 2026
Pope Leo said on Sunday (March 29) that God rejects the prayers of leaders who start wars and have "hands full of blood", in unusually forceful remarks as the Iran war entered its second month. He said at St Peter's Square in Vatican on Palm Sunday, the celebration that opens the holiest week of the year in the lead-up to Easter for the world's 1.4 billion Catholics.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jzIDJ6K5nj4
Addressing thousands of people in St. Peter's Square, Pope Leo said God “does not listen” to leaders who start wars and have “hands full of blood,” warning Jesus cannot be used to justify conflict.
— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) March 29, 2026
As the Iran war enters its second month, he renewed calls for a ceasefire. pic.twitter.com/KtsGGClGrM
Left: Christian faith leaders praying with President Trump
— Farrukh (@implausibleblog) March 29, 2026
Right: Pope Leo on Palm Sunday, "Jesus does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war, he rejects then, saying: Even though you make many prayers I will not listen, your hands are full of blood" pic.twitter.com/Zc0IPxJLaZ
