Pope Leo: The use of religion cannot justify wars.

Pope Leo: The use of religion cannot justify wars.

Pope Leo XIV criticized the misuse of religion to defend war during a Palm Sunday Mass, stating that “Jesus, King of Peace, rejects war” and that God does not stand with those who commit violence. Speaking in St. Peter’s Square, he urged compassion for the oppressed and cautioned against using faith to justify conflicts, as fighting continues in the US-Israel war involving Iran and the Russia-Ukraine war.