Pope Leo XIV has cautioned that violence and conflict stand in direct opposition to divine will, declaring that God rejects the prayers of those who engage in war as hostilities persist across the Middle East.
Delivering his Palm Sunday homily, the pontiff stressed the moral and spiritual consequences of warfare, stating: “This is our God… A God who refuses war… who does not listen to the prayer of those who wage war.”
Speaking after the Angelus prayer, he also drew attention to the plight of Christian communities in the region, many of whom he said have been deeply affected by the ongoing crisis.
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He paid tribute to “the Christians of the Middle East, who suffer the consequences of a terrible conflict and in many cases cannot fully live the rites of these holy days”.
The Pope’s remarks come amid continued escalation following the outbreak of war on February 28, which has displaced over a million people and heightened humanitarian concerns across several countries.
Earlier in the week, the 70-year-old pontiff had called for an immediate ceasefire, urging all sides to embrace dialogue and de-escalation.
As the first American pope, Leo XIV has consistently advocated peace since the conflict began, though he has remained cautious in apportioning blame, avoiding direct references to any of the parties involved while maintaining his call for negotiations and an end to hostilities.
