‘God doesn’t listen to prayer of those who wage war’ – Pope
On Palm Sunday, March 29, 2026, Pope Leo XIV delivered a strong denunciation of those who exploit faith as a rationale for violence, asserting that God "does not heed the prayers of those who engage in warfare".
During his homily in St. Peter's Square, the Pope depicted Jesus as a "King of Peace" who disavows war and cannot be co-opted to rationalize it. His comments were particularly aimed at leaders who are contributing to the intensification of global conflicts, specifically noting that their "hands are full of blood".
The Pope's statement emerged as the conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran progressed into its second month, following military actions that commenced on February 28, 2026. Without naming specific individuals, Leo XIV called upon leaders—including U.S. President Donald Trump—to forsake "projects of death" and opt for diplomacy rather than military pursuits.
This address followed reports indicating that Israeli police had barred Catholic leaders from accessing the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem for private Palm Sunday ceremonies due to security measures.
Elected on May 8, 2025, after the passing of Pope Francis, Leo XIV (born Robert Francis Prevost) is a 70-year-old native of Chicago and the first pope born in America.
A member of the Order of Saint Augustine and a dual citizen of both the United States and Peru, he has consistently highlighted the teachings of Vatican II and the importance of missionary dialogue throughout his papacy.

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