In a striking Palm Sunday message, Pope Leo XIV delivered a sobering warning to world leaders, declaring that God does not hear the prayers of those who wage war and have “hands full of blood.”

Speaking to tens of thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square as Holy Week began, the pope addressed the ongoing Iran conflict with some of his strongest language yet, calling the war “atrocious” and urging believers to remember the true nature of Christ.

“This is our God: Jesus, King of Peace, who rejects war, whom no one can use to justify war,” Pope Leo said. Quoting Scripture, he added, “Even though you make many prayers, I will not listen: your hands are full of blood.”

While the pope did not name specific leaders, his remarks come as global tensions continue to rise, with the war entering its second month. In recent weeks, he has increasingly called for an immediate ceasefire, warning that continued violence only deepens human suffering—particularly for Christians in the Middle East who may be unable to celebrate Easter amid the conflict.

Pope Leo’s message also appeared to push back against attempts to use faith as justification for war. Some political leaders have invoked Christian language in support of military action, but the pontiff made it clear that Jesus cannot be used to endorse violence.

In his homily, he pointed to a defining moment from the Gospels—when Jesus rebuked a follower who used a sword during His arrest. “He did not arm himself, or defend himself, or fight any war,” the pope said. “He revealed the gentle face of God, who always rejects violence.”

Instead of resisting, Christ chose the path of sacrifice, allowing Himself to be crucified. For Pope Leo, that moment stands as the ultimate example of God’s character—one marked not by force, but by humility, mercy, and peace.

As Christians around the world enter Holy Week, the pope’s message serves as a powerful reminder of the tension between worldly power and the way of Christ. In a time marked by conflict and division, his words call believers back to the heart of the Gospel: a Savior who chose the cross over violence, and who invites His followers to do the same.