The White House has defended calls to pray for U.S. troops fighting in the Iran conflict after Pope Leo XIV warned that God rejects prayers from those engaged in warfare.
Pope Leo XIV’s Palm Sunday Message
During his Palm Sunday homily, Pope Leo XIV, the first U.S.-born pontiff, declared: “This is our God… A God who refuses war… who does not listen to the prayer of those who wage war.” The 70-year-old leader has consistently criticized the ongoing Middle East war and urged dialogue between parties.
Since U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran sparked the conflict on February 28, the pope has adopted a cautious tone, condemning violence without naming specific nations and repeatedly appealing for peace. Last week, he called for an immediate ceasefire, highlighting that over a million people have fled their homes and pressing warring sides to negotiate.
White House Response
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed the pope’s remarks during a briefing, stating: “I don’t think there is anything wrong with our military leaders or with the president calling on the American people to pray for our servicemembers and those who are serving our country overseas.”
Leavitt, a Catholic like Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, emphasized the nation’s Judeo-Christian foundations. She noted that leaders and troops have turned to prayer during history’s toughest moments, with many servicemembers expressing gratitude for the support. “In fact, I think it’s a very noble thing to do,” she added.
Before the briefing began, Leavitt shared that her team had just completed a “little loud prayer.”
Religious Rhetoric in the Administration
Members of the Trump administration have prominently displayed their Christian faith amid the two-month conflict. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth recently led a prayer at the Pentagon, invoking: “Let every round find its mark against the enemies of righteousness and our great nation.”
