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"Jesus, King of Peace, who rejects war — whom no one can use to justify war." Pope Leo said that to tens of thousands on Palm Sunday. He didn't name anyone. He didn't have to.
On Palm Sunday, Pope Leo XIV told tens of thousands in St. Peter's Square that God rejects the prayers of leaders who wage war. Quoting the prophet Isaiah, he said: "Even though you make many prayers, I will not listen: your hands are full of blood." He called the Iran war "atrocious." He named no one.
Three days earlier, Defense Secretary Hegseth led a Pentagon prayer service asking for "overwhelming violence against those who deserve no mercy" — carrying a Bible stamped "Deus Vult," the Crusader battle cry. The Pope's sermon was widely read as a direct rebuke. Leo is the first American Pope, making his criticism of a U.S.-led war unprecedented.
Since February 28, at least 1,551 Iranian civilians have been killed, including 236 children. The Pope has called for a ceasefire repeatedly. He closed: "Lay down your weapons. Remember that you are brothers and sisters."
