At a time of U.S. war in the Middle East, Pope Leo XIV says no one can use God to justify war. The pontiff says he's praying especially for Christians in the region.

The pope has said God rejects the prayers of those who wage war and have "hands full of blood." Leo has also prayed especially for Christians in the Middle East during a Palm Sunday Mass.

White House defends prayer for U.S. troops after Pope Leo XIV says God rejects prayers of leaders who wage war.

The pontiff, who has repeatedly called for a ceasefire, once again addressed the fighting in the Middle East on March 29

Pope Leo denounced war and its religious justification as Israel blocks Christian leaders from the Holy Sepulchre during Palm Sunday celebrations.

Pope Leo said God rejects the prayers of leaders who start wars and have "hands full of blood," in unusually forceful remarks as the Iran war entered its second month.

Pope Leo XIV said Sunday that God doesn’t listen to the prayers of those who make war or cite God to justify their violence, as he prayed especially for Christians in the Middle East during a Palm Sunday Mass in St.

Pope Leo rejected claims that God justifies war during his Palm Sunday Mass.

Pope Leo XIV on Sunday said that God “does not listen to the prayers” of individuals who start wars, as the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran continues. “Brothers and sisters, this is our God: Jesus, King of Peace,