White House Defends Prayers Amid Pope's Rebuke

Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt responds to Pope Leo XIV's criticism of leaders who wage war

Mar. 30, 2026 at 7:31pm

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A dimly lit, cinematic painting of a solitary figure standing in a government hallway, their face obscured in shadow, the walls bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight, conceptually representing the moral dilemmas of political leadership during wartime.A somber political figure reflects on the moral weight of wartime decisions amid growing tensions between the White House and religious leadership.Washington Today

The White House pushed back after Pope Leo XIV said God rejects the prayers of leaders who wage war, with press secretary Karoline Leavitt defending the administration's use of prayer in reference to U.S. military operations.

Why it matters

The exchange highlights the ongoing tension between religious leaders and political figures over the moral implications of war and the role of faith in governance.

The details

In response to the Pope's Palm Sunday remarks condemning 'hands full of blood,' Leavitt stated that the administration stands by its practice of incorporating prayer into its decision-making process, despite the Pope's criticism.

  • On Palm Sunday, Pope Leo XIV made remarks condemning leaders whose 'hands are full of blood'.
  • On Monday, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt responded to the Pope's comments.

The players

Pope Leo XIV

The current Pope, who has spoken out against the moral implications of war.

Karoline Leavitt

The White House Press Secretary, who defended the administration's use of prayer in relation to military operations.

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What they’re saying

“God rejects the prayers of leaders who wage war.”

— Pope Leo XIV

“We stand by our practice of incorporating prayer into our decision-making process.”

— Karoline Leavitt, White House Press Secretary

The takeaway

This exchange highlights the ongoing tension between religious leaders and political figures over the moral implications of war and the role of faith in governance.