‘Hands full of blood’: Pope rebukes leaders over war in Iran

Pope Leo XIV has waded into the fuck up that is America’s war on Iran by condemning Donald Trump and other leaders for their “atrocious” warmongering, stating God “rejects” the prayers of those with blood-soaked hands. Ouch.

The leader of the Catholic church made the comments during a Palm Sunday mass in St Peter’s Square, in Rome. He described the war between the US, Iran and the rogue-state Israel as “atrocious”, and insists Jesus cannot be used to justify violence.

Dude even tweeted about it:

This is our God: Jesus, King of Peace, who rejects war, whom no one can use to justify war. He 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” (Is 1:15).

— Pope Leo XIV (@Pontifex) March 29, 2026

Pope says God doen’t listen to warmongers

The comments follow a fucking terrifying prayer from the US defence secretary. Peter Hegseth recently called for “overwhelming violence” against those who “deserve no mercy”.

Worryingly, Hegseth is a member of a church affiliated with the Communion of Reformed Evangelical Churches. This is the same church that believes women shouldn’t hold positions of leadership within it, and that women should submit entirely to their husbands. Erm, yeah, they’re bad.

Addressing thousands of people in St. Peter's Square, Pope Leo said God “does not listen” to leaders who start wars and have “hands full of blood,” warning Jesus cannot be used to justify conflict.

As the Iran war enters its second month, he renewed calls for a ceasefire. pic.twitter.com/KtsGGClGrM

— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) March 29, 2026

The pope reminded worshipers that Jesus rejected the sword. He stated that Jesus “revealed the gentle face of God” rather than arming himself. I never thought I’d be bigging up a Christian leader but here we are.

Escalation in the Middle East

This spiritual intervention comes as the Pentagon prepares for ground operations. Thousands of US troops are currently in the Middle East to face Iranian forces. Weird, choosing to die for Israel.

Iranian leaders have already threatened to set US troops on fire if they advance and let’s be honest, we should believe them. They have embarrassed the US/Israel way too much already in this war. The pope has repeatedly called for a ceasefire and a total ban on aerial bombing.

The pope is showing that faith should be a tool for peace and not for colonial empires. He sadly expressed that the “destruction” in the region is preventing people from celebrating Easter.

Christians in the Holy land

Israeli Occupation Forces Assault Palestinian Christians In Jerusalem, Outside The Church Of The Holy Sepulchre. Right at the beginning of Christian Easter. pic.twitter.com/GMnKHdGgkJ

— Irlandarra (@martinez_j7902) March 29, 2026

Whilst Trump’s administration uses religion as a weapon to fuel conflict, the pope makes one thing very clear: God is not on the side of warmongers.

When 20% of adults in America are Catholic, making it one of the largest religious groups, Trump is playing a very foolish game. This is going to piss off a lot of American voters and Trump is losing support all over.

Featured image via the Canary