Pope Leo Criticizes Leaders Who Wage War, Says 'God Does Not Listen' to Their Prayers

The pontiff renewed calls for a ceasefire in the ongoing U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 12:38am

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A serene, cinematic painting of a Catholic church or cathedral in warm, golden light, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation and spiritual reflection on the ongoing war.The Pope's moral opposition to the ongoing war casts a somber, reflective tone over the conflict.Chicago Today

Pope Leo XIV has once again taken a stance against war, saying that God 'does not listen to the prayers' of leaders who start conflicts. During his remarks at St. Peter's Square on Palm Sunday, the Pope cited a Bible passage and warned that Jesus cannot be used to justify war. This is not the first time the Pope has criticized the ongoing U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, which has resulted in significant civilian casualties on both sides.

Why it matters

The Pope's remarks highlight the ongoing tensions between religious and political leaders over the use of military force. As the war in Iran enters its second month, the Pope's call for a ceasefire and his rejection of using religion to justify conflict adds a moral and spiritual dimension to the debate surrounding the war's continuation.

The details

In his remarks, Pope Leo said that 'God does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war' and that 'Jesus, King of Peace, who rejects war, whom no one can use to justify war.' The Pope's comments came as the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran has resulted in the deaths of over 1,500 Iranian civilians, including at least 236 children, as well as the deaths of 7 U.S. service members and over 1,100 Lebanese civilians. The Pope has previously criticized the war, writing on social media that 'Stability and peace are not achieved through mutual threats, nor through the use of weapons, which sow destruction, suffering, and death, but only through reasonable, sincere, and responsible dialogue.'

  • On March 29, 2026, Pope Leo gave remarks at St. Peter's Square in the Vatican.
  • The U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran began on February 28, 2026.

The players

Pope Leo XIV

The current Pope, the first American to hold the position. He has previously criticized President Trump's immigration policies and now opposes the ongoing war between the U.S., Israel, and Iran.

President Trump

The former U.S. president whose policies and actions the Pope has criticized in the past, including on immigration and now the war with Iran.

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What they’re saying

“Brothers and sisters, this is our God: Jesus, 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

“Stability and peace are not achieved through mutual threats, nor through the use of weapons, which sow destruction, suffering, and death, but only through reasonable, sincere, and responsible dialogue.”

— Pope Leo XIV, Pope

What’s next

The Pope's remarks come as the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran continues, and he has renewed calls for a ceasefire. The ongoing war has resulted in significant civilian casualties on both sides, and the Pope's moral and spiritual opposition to the conflict adds an important perspective to the debate surrounding its continuation.

The takeaway

The Pope's criticism of leaders who wage war and his assertion that 'God does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war' highlights the growing divide between religious and political leaders over the use of military force. As the war in Iran rages on, the Pope's moral and spiritual opposition to the conflict adds an important voice to the debate, emphasizing the need for dialogue and diplomacy over continued violence.