Pope Leo says God rejects prayers of leaders who wage war

Pope Leo urged an immediate ceasefire in the expanding Iran war and said God rejects the prayers of leaders who wage war, citing a Bible passage during his Palm Sunday address at St. Peter's Square.

Pope Leo urged an immediate ceasefire in the expanding Iran war and criticized what he called "atrocious violence" across the region. He spoke on Palm Sunday to tens of thousands in St. Peter's Square as Holy Week began. The pope said Jesus cannot be used to justify war and that God rejects the prayers of leaders who wage war, citing a Bible passage about "hands full of blood." He did not name specific leaders but has stepped up criticism of the conflict in recent weeks. Key points: - Pope Leo called for an immediate ceasefire in the expanding Iran war. - He said God does not listen to the prayers of leaders who wage war and cited a Bible passage describing "hands full of blood." - The remarks were delivered to tens of thousands in St. Peter's Square on Palm Sunday. - The pope has recently criticized the conflict and described military airstrikes as indiscriminate. Summary: The pope's remarks underline the Vatican's moral opposition to the Iran war and reiterate calls for an immediate ceasefire. Undetermined at this time.