Pope Leo XIV on Sunday sharply criticized world leaders engaged in ongoing military conflicts, saying God rejects the prayers of those who wage war and have “hands full of blood.”
On Palm Sunday, Leo addressed tens of thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square to begin the celebration of Holy Week. There, the pope denounced the Iran conflict as “atrocious,” adding that Jesus Christ rejects war and cannot be used as justification for one.
"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, saying: 'Even though you make many prayers, I will not listen: your hands are full of blood.’”
While Leo did not name any leaders directly, his remarks come amid continued criticism of the Iran conflict. He said Christians in the Middle East "are suffering the consequences of an atrocious conflict” and warned that some may be unable to celebrate Easter.
"(Jesus) did not arm himself, or defend himself, or fight any war," Leo said. "He revealed the gentle face of God, who always rejects violence. Rather than saving himself, he allowed himself to be nailed to the cross."
Earlier on Sunday, tensions arose in Jerusalem, where Israeli police prevented Catholic Church leaders from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre to celebrate Palm Sunday. The incident marked the first time in centuries that church leaders were barred from celebrating Palm Sunday at the holy site. Israel said the incident occurred as Iran has been targeting holy sites, but added that the country’s security arms are “putting together a plan to enable church leaders to worship at the holy site in the coming days.”
