Pope Leo slams world leaders over Iran conflict, says Jesus does not listen to ‘those who wage war’
VATICAN CITY: As the Iran war entered its second month, Pope Leo had some tough words for the world leaders who have “hands full of blood.” Addressing tens of thousands in St Peter's Square on Palm Sunday, March 29, the religious leader said that Jesus “does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war.”
The first American Pope told the crowd, “Rather than saving himself, he allowed himself to be nailed to the cross, embracing every cross borne in every time and place throughout human history. Brothers and sisters, this is our God: Jesus, King of Peace, who rejects war, whom no one can use to justify war.”
Addressing thousands of people in St. Peter's Square, Pope Leo said God “does not listen” to leaders who start wars and have “hands full of blood,” warning Jesus cannot be used to justify conflict.
— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) March 29, 2026
As the Iran war enters its second month, he renewed calls for a ceasefire. pic.twitter.com/KtsGGClGrM
Pope Leo says God rejects those who support war
He then went on to refer to a Bible passage, Isaiah 1:15, as he said, “He (Jesus) 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.’”
While concluding his address, Leo specifically mentioned Christians in the Middle East who “are suffering the consequences of an atrocious conflict” and may not be able to celebrate Easter.
Pope Leo wants 'a solution for everyone'
This was not the first time the Pope has spoken against the war that began on February 28.
On March 22, he said at St. Peter's Square, “We cannot remain silent in the face of the suffering of so many people, the defenceless victims of these conflicts. What hurts them hurts the whole of humanity.”
Leo also spoke to reporters a few days ago asserted that he wants “to renew the appeal for a ceasefire, to work for peace, but not with weapons - rather through dialogue, truly seeking a solution for everyone.”
“There are more than a million displaced people and many dead. I invite all the authorities to truly work through dialogue to resolve the problems,” he added at the time.
Trump hails regime change in Iran following war
This came as President Donald Trump boasted about regime change in Iran as the US-Israel waged war against Tehran.
“We’ve had regime change, if you look already, because the one regime was decimated, destroyed, they’re all dead. The next regime is mostly dead, and the third regime, we’re dealing with different people than anybody’s dealt with before,” he claimed.
The American leader also added that “it’s a whole different group of people. So I would consider that regime change, and frankly, they’ve been very reasonable.”
