Pope says Christ rejects prayers of those who wage war

Pope Leo XIV has said that Jesus Christ does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war, but instead rejects them.

According to the Pope, Christ rejects war outright, declaring: “Even if you multiply your prayers, I will not listen to you, your hands are covered in blood.”

Addressing crowds gathered in St Peter's Square, the pontiff said: “Brothers and sisters, this is our God: Jesus, the Prince of Peace, who rejects war and cannot be used to justify it.”

Reuters reported that Pope Leo XIV did not name any specific world leaders in his remarks, although he has in recent weeks stepped up criticism of the war involving Iran.