Pope Leo Takes Cheap Shot At Trump

Pope Leo XIV delivered a pointed message on Sunday, saying that God does not heed the prayers of those who initiate war, as fighting involving the United States, Israel, and Iran continues.

Speaking to crowds gathered in St. Peter’s Square, the pope emphasized that Jesus represents peace and cannot be used to justify violence. He added that those who engage in war should not expect their prayers to be heard, reinforcing his stance that faith should never be used to support conflict.

The remarks came during Palm Sunday, which marks the beginning of Holy Week leading up to Easter. It is not the first time the pope has spoken out against the ongoing war. Shortly after hostilities began in late February, he called for dialogue over aggression, urging leaders to pursue solutions through honest and responsible communication rather than threats or military force.

The conflict has taken a heavy toll. According to the Human Rights Activists News Agency, more than 1,500 civilians in Iran have been killed, including hundreds of children. The report also cites over 1,200 Iranian military deaths, along with hundreds of additional casualties whose status has not been classified.

Losses have extended beyond Iran. U.S. forces have suffered fatalities due to retaliatory strikes, and additional service members were killed in an aircraft crash over Iraq. Meanwhile, officials in Lebanon report over 1,100 deaths linked to Israeli attacks, and civilians in multiple countries across the region have also been caught in the violence.

In a separate message, the pope expressed support for Christian communities throughout the Middle East, many of whom are facing hardship and disruption due to the conflict. He noted that millions of Christians in the region are unable to fully observe important religious traditions during this period.

Calling attention to their suffering, he urged the global community to reflect on the human cost of war and to pray for peace. He concluded by asking for unity in prayer, hoping for healing, reconciliation, and a path forward for those affected by the ongoing crisis.