Pope Condemns War, Warns Leaders to Examine Conscience

The pontiff said that prayers for war will go unanswered as the conflict in Iran rages on.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 3:40pm

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Pope Leo XIV condemned the ongoing military conflict in Iran and warned that God does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war. In a blistering Palm Sunday address, the Chicago-born pontiff advocated for peace and urged warmongers to 'have mercy' on those impacted by the violence.

Why it matters

The pope's remarks come as U.S. and Israeli forces have continued their offensive in Iran, with some military commanders invoking religion to justify the attacks. Pope Leo has been a vocal critic of the war, which has already claimed over 2,000 lives.

The details

In his address, Pope Leo said 'Jesus is the King of Peace, who rejects war, whom no one can use to justify war.' He expressed concern for a 'crucified humanity' and asked those responsible for the conflict to 'examine their conscience.' The pontiff has called for a ceasefire in the Middle East.

  • Pope Leo delivered the remarks during his Palm Sunday address on March 29, 2026.
  • The U.S. and Israel launched their military offensive in Iran on February 28, 2026.

The players

Pope Leo XIV

The Chicago-born pontiff who has been outspoken in his opposition to the ongoing conflict in Iran.

Donald Trump

The former U.S. president whose military operation in Iran has been condemned by Pope Leo.

Pete Hegseth

The U.S. Defense Secretary who prayed for the military to use 'overwhelming violence' in Iran during a Pentagon Christian worship service.

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What they’re saying

“'Jesus is the King of Peace, who rejects war, whom no one can use to justify war. He does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war, but rejects them.'”

— Pope Leo XIV, Pope

“'Christ, King of Peace, cries out again from his cross: God is love! Have mercy! Lay down your weapons! Remember that you are brothers and sisters!'”

— Pope Leo XIV, Pope

“'Do those Christians who bear grave responsibility in armed conflicts have the humility and courage ​to make a serious examination of conscience and to ​go to confession?'”

— Pope Leo XIV, Pope

What’s next

The pope's call for a ceasefire and examination of conscience by warmongers could put further pressure on U.S. and Israeli leaders to de-escalate the conflict in Iran.

The takeaway

Pope Leo's blistering rebuke of the war in Iran and his warning that God does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war highlights the growing divide between religious leaders and political figures who have invoked Christianity to justify military action.