world 29 March 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
Pope Leo Condemns Leaders Waging Wars, Declares God Rejects Their Prayers
Pope Leo XIV asserted during Palm Sunday celebrations that God ignores prayers from war-mongering leaders with blood-stained hands, emphasizing Jesus cannot justify any conflict. He intensified his critique of the ongoing Iran war amid escalating tensions. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/world/pope-leo-says-god-rejects-prayers-of-leaders-who-wage-wars-5407358
Pope Leo XIV delivered a stark message on Palm Sunday, addressing crowds in St. Peter’s Square. He stated that God turns away from prayers offered by leaders who initiate wars, quoting scripture about hands ‘full of blood’.
The pontiff, the first American pope, spoke to tens of thousands under sunny skies as Holy Week began for 1.4 billion Catholics. ‘Jesus, King of Peace, rejects war and cannot be invoked to endorse it,’ he proclaimed.
Leo referenced biblical scenes, noting Jesus rebuked violence even when facing arrest and chose the cross over combat. This came as the Iran war marked its second month, following U.S.-Israeli strikes on February 28.
Without naming individuals, Leo has escalated calls for an immediate ceasefire, previously labeling airstrikes as indiscriminate. His words counter some U.S. officials’ use of Christian rhetoric to support the military actions, including Pentagon prayer services led by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.