Palm Sunday mass: Pope Leo condemns using God to justify war
Palm Sunday Mass: Pope Leo Condemns Using God to Justify War
During a Palm Sunday Mass, Pope Leo XIV expressed strong disapproval of employing divine authority to rationalize conflict. The pontiff highlighted that God rejects the prayers of individuals involved in war, describing them as having “hands full of blood.” This message was delivered to a crowd of tens of thousands in St. Peter’s Square, where Leo emphasized Jesus’ role as the King of Peace and his opposition to all forms of warfare.
Biblical Reference and Criticism of Warfare
“Brothers and sisters, this is our God: Jesus, King of Peace, who rejects war, whom no one can use to justify war,” Leo declared. He added, “He does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war, but rejects them, saying: ‘Even though you make many prayers, I will not listen: your hands are full of blood.’” The pope cited a biblical passage to underscore his point, framing war as an act that alienates from divine grace.
Leo’s remarks came as the Iran war approached its second month. While he did not specifically name any world leaders, his recent criticisms have targeted the ongoing conflict with increasing intensity. The pontiff urged an immediate halt to hostilities, stressing the moral imperative to avoid violence.
Prayers for Middle Eastern Christians
In his closing appeal, Leo extended prayers to Christians in the Middle East, acknowledging their struggles amid the “atrocious conflict.” He noted that many are unable to fully participate in the sacred rites of the holy days due to the ongoing turmoil. This focus on religious suffering complements his broader call for peace.
Earlier in the week, the pope criticized military airstrikes, labeling them as indiscriminate and advocating for their prohibition. “Airplanes should always be carriers of peace, never of war,” he stated. “No one should be afraid that threats of death and destruction might come from the sky.” Though this statement didn’t directly reference the Iran war, it aligns with his overall stance on minimizing civilian harm.
Meanwhile, some US officials have leveraged Christian language to justify the joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran, which commenced on February 28. At a Pentagon service, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth invoked “overwhelming violence of action against those who deserve no mercy,” illustrating the tension between religious ideals and military strategy.
