Image: Українські Національні Новини (УНН)

Pope Leo XIV Rebukes Trump, Hegseth: 'God Rejects Prayers of Those Who Wage War'

29 March, 2026.USA.27 sources

Key Takeaways

God does not listen to the prayers of leaders who wage war.
Condemned leaders who invoke religion to justify war, urging peace amid Middle East suffering.
Delivered at Palm Sunday Mass in St. Peter's Square amid Iran war's second month.

Pope Condemns War

Pope Leo XIV issued a rare and pointed rebuke of the Trump administration's war on Iran.

He declared that God ignores the prayers of leaders who wage war and have hands full of blood.

AP News

He cited a Bible passage: Even though you make many prayers, I will not listen: your hands are full of blood.

Hegseth's War Prayers

Hegseth had prayed for overwhelming violence against those who deserve no mercy.

The pope's remarks came days after thousands of US troops arrived in the Middle East.

Benzinga

The pope admonished anyone seeking to use religion as justification for war.

Christians Suffering in Middle East

The pope expressed solidarity with Middle East Christians suffering the consequences of the conflict.

“Pope Leo said on Sunday that God rejects the prayers of leaders who start wars and have "hands full of blood," delivering unusually forceful remarks as the Iran war entered its second month”

Benzinga

Many were unable to fully participate in Holy Week rites.

Israeli police had blocked the top Catholic leader in Jerusalem from celebrating Mass.