Pope Leo XIV has issued a blunt anti-war rebuke to world leaders, declaring during his Palm Sunday homily that God 'does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war'. The pontiff addressed tens of thousands of faithful in St Peter's Square on Sunday, describing Jesus as the 'King of Peace' who rejects any attempt to use faith to justify armed conflict. The comments come as the Iran war entered its second month, with Pope Leo also referencing the continuing situation in Ukraine.
The first US pope cited scripture, stating that such prayers are rejected because leaders' hands are full of blood. He labelled the Iran conflict 'atrocious' and reiterated calls for an immediate ceasefire in the Middle East.
