Pope Leo XIV delivered a stark condemnation of war during yesterday's Palm Sunday Mass in St. Peter's Square, telling tens of thousands of worshippers that God rejects the prayers of leaders whose hands are 'full of blood.'

In his homily marking the start of Holy Week, the pontiff quoted the Book of Isaiah, stating: '(Jesus) does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war, but rejects them, saying: "Even though you make many prayers, I will not listen: your hands are full of blood."' He described Jesus as the 'king of peace, who rejects war, whom no one can use to justify war.'

The remarks came as the U.S.-Iran conflict entered its second month, with Yemen's Houthis launching attacks on Israel and U.S. Marines deploying to the region. Pope Leo called for an immediate ceasefire and a ban on airstrikes, noting that thousands of innocent people had been killed and many forced from their homes, including strikes on schools and hospitals. He expressed concern that regional Christians might be unable to celebrate Easter.

Though the pope did not name individuals, the comments appeared aimed at recent statements by U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. On Friday, Hegseth prayed at a Pentagon Christian service for U.S. troops to unleash 'overwhelming violence of action against those who deserve no mercy,' invoking 'the mighty and powerful name of Jesus Christ.' Hegseth, a Trump appointee and self-described Christian nationalist, has linked faith to military actions in the Middle East conflict.

The U.S. has deployed thousands of troops to the Middle East for ground operations amid escalating tensions, with Iranian officials vowing retaliation. Pope Leo also highlighted Jesus' example of non-violence, noting he did not arm himself but allowed crucifixion to reveal 'the gentle face of God, who always rejects violence.'

The homily drew immediate attention, with media outlets interpreting it as a rebuke to the Trump administration. Separately, international leaders criticized Israeli police for briefly barring Latin Patriarch Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa from the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, citing safety concerns. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later ensured access.

Pope Leo XIV, who succeeded Pope Francis, has consistently advocated for peace in global conflicts. His Palm Sunday address set a somber tone ahead of Easter, underscoring the Catholic Church's opposition to using religion to justify violence.