White House Defends Praying for US Troops After Pope's Remarks

Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt says praying for soldiers is a 'noble thing to do' despite Pope Leo XIV's warning that God rejects the prayers 'of those who wage war'.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 9:22pm

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A solitary soldier kneels in prayer, the warm glow of light casting deep shadows across the scene, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation and the weight of war.As the Iran war drags on, the White House's embrace of religious rhetoric clashes with the pope's moral condemnation of the conflict.Washington Today

The White House has defended the practice of praying for U.S. troops engaged in the ongoing Iran war, despite recent comments from Pope Leo XIV that God rejects the prayers 'of those who wage war.' Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that there is 'nothing wrong' with military leaders and the president calling on Americans to pray for service members, citing the nation's Judeo-Christian values and the historical precedent of praying during turbulent times.

Why it matters

The exchange highlights the tension between the White House's embrace of religious rhetoric and the Pope's condemnation of the war, underscoring the complex relationship between faith, politics, and military conflict.

The details

In response to the Pope's Palm Sunday homily, where he said 'This is our God... A God who refuses war... who does not listen to the prayer of those who wage war,' Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the White House's practice of encouraging prayer for U.S. troops. Leavitt stated that there is 'nothing wrong' with this, and that many service members appreciate the prayers. The administration, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, has used religious language to frame the conflict with Iran.

  • On March 28, Pope Leo XIV delivered a Palm Sunday homily condemning war and stating that God rejects the prayers 'of those who wage war'.
  • On March 30, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt responded to the Pope's remarks, defending the administration's practice of encouraging prayer for U.S. troops engaged in the Iran conflict.

The players

Pope Leo XIV

The first U.S.-born pope, who has repeatedly condemned the war with Iran and called for dialogue, though he has been cautious in directly naming any party in his condemnations.

Karoline Leavitt

The White House Press Secretary, who is Catholic and defended the administration's practice of encouraging prayer for U.S. troops engaged in the Iran war.

Pete Hegseth

The U.S. Defense Secretary, who has used quasi-religious language to frame the conflict with Iran, offering a prayer at the Pentagon last week.

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What they’re saying

“'This is our God... A God who refuses war... who does not listen to the prayer of those who wage war.'”

— Pope Leo XIV

“'I don't think there is anything wrong with our military leaders or with the president calling on the American people to pray for our servicemembers and those who are serving our country overseas.'”

— Karoline Leavitt, White House Press Secretary

“'Let every round find its mark against the enemies of righteousness and our great nation.'”

— Pete Hegseth, U.S. Defense Secretary

What’s next

The White House is expected to continue defending its practice of encouraging prayer for U.S. troops, despite the Pope's criticism. The administration's religious rhetoric and the Pope's condemnation of the war are likely to remain a point of tension.

The takeaway

This exchange highlights the complex relationship between faith, politics, and military conflict, as the White House's embrace of religious language clashes with the Pope's moral condemnation of the war. It underscores the ongoing debate over the role of prayer and religion in matters of war and peace.