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‘Your
hands are full of blood’: Pope Leo REBUKES Hegseth’s war prayers
In a
pointed Palm Sunday homily at St. Peter’s Square, Pope Leo XIV issued a sharp
rebuke widely interpreted as a direct response to the religious rhetoric used
by U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to justify military actions in Iran.
The
Pope's Rejection of "War Prayers"
During
the March 29, 2026, Mass, Pope Leo XIV—the first American-born
pontiff—emphasized that Jesus is the "King of Peace" who rejects war.
His most forceful remarks centered on the idea that faith cannot be used to
justify violence:
Refusal
of Prayers: The Pope stated that God "does not listen to the prayers of
those who wage war, but rejects them".
Biblical
Rebuke: Quoting the prophet Isaiah (1:15), he added, "Even though you make
many prayers, I will not listen: your hands are full of blood".
"Enlisted
in Darkness": He warned that "God cannot be enlisted in
darkness" by those using His name to justify "choices of death".
Context:
Pete Hegseth’s Rhetoric
The
Pope’s comments followed a series of public religious invocations by Secretary
Hegseth regarding the ongoing conflict:
Prayers
for Violence: Hegseth recently led a worship service at the Pentagon where he
prayed for "overwhelming violence of action against those who deserve no
mercy".
Divine
Providence: He previously claimed that U.S. troops in Iran are shielded by
"divine providence" and has often used the Crusader battle cry
"Deus Vult" (God wills it).
Mission
of Victory: Hegseth has urged Americans to pray "on bended knee" for
a military victory "in the name of Jesus Christ".
Official
U.S. Response
White
House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the administration's stance,
stating there is nothing wrong with leaders calling for prayer for service
members during "turbulent times". She described the practice as
"noble" and noted that many troops appreciate the spiritual support.
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