• Pope Leo XIV states God rejects prayers from leaders who wage wars.
• He emphasizes that Jesus cannot be used to justify violence.
• The Pope prays for Christians suffering in the Middle East amid ongoing conflicts.

Pope Leo XIV delivered a powerful message on Palm Sunday, declaring that God does not listen to prayers from those who wage war or attempt to use faith to justify violence. Speaking before tens of thousands in St. Peter's Square, he emphasized, "This is our God: Jesus, King of Peace, who rejects war, whom no one can use to justify war," a theme underscored by the ongoing U.S.-Israeli conflict in Iran and Russia's actions in Ukraine, according to Reuters, NPR, and LA Times.

In his homily, Leo cited scripture to reinforce his message, stating, "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.'" This sentiment arises as leaders in the ongoing Iran conflict continue to invoke religious justification for military actions, reports Reuters, NPR, and LA Times.

Pope Leo also prayed for Christians in the Middle East, highlighting their suffering as a result of the conflict that has left many unable to freely participate in religious observances. He noted that Christians are "suffering the consequences of an atrocious conflict" during this sacred season, according to Reuters and NPR.

In light of ongoing tensions, Leo's criticism is directed toward leaders who manipulate religious rhetoric to justify their military actions, including U.S. officials and the Russian Orthodox Church, which has referred to their military endeavors as a "holy war," underscoring the misuse of faith in times of conflict, as highlighted by Reuters, NPR, and LA Times.

As Holy Week commences, Leo encourages all Christians to reflect on global suffering and seek pathways to reconciliation and peace. "Let us raise our prayers to the Prince of Peace so that he may support people wounded by war," he urged, calling for collective compassion and solidarity in the face of adversity, according to Reuters, NPR, and LA Times.