1. Skip to content
  2. Skip to main menu
  3. Skip to more DW sites
In focus
IranNATOFIFA World Cup
Latest audioLatest videos
Live TV
ReligionVatican

Pope Leo condemns use of religion to justify Iran war

Hannah Hummel
March 29, 2026

Pope Leo has warned world leaders as the Iran war enters its second month. During Palm Sunday mass, he said "God rejects the prayers of those who wage war."

https://p.dw.com/p/5BLbg

Pope Leo has delivered an unusually forceful Palm Sunday message, condemning the use of faith to justify the Iran war. 

His remarks counter leaders invoking religion to support military action, including recent US appeals. Analysts view the Pope’s homily as a strong call for peace amid the escalating conflict.

Skip next section Similar stories

Similar stories

Pope Leo XIV leads mass for Palm Sunday at St. Peter's Square in the Vatican on March 29, 2026

Palm Sunday mass: Pope Leo condemns using God to justify war

The pope has said God rejects the prayers of those who wage war during a Palm Sunday Mass.
ReligionMarch 29, 2026
A view of the Qatari Al-Araby TV and business building damaged by a strike, as the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran continues, in Tehran, Iran, March 29, 2026

Iran war: Tehran warns US against ground assault

Iran says its forces are "waiting" for the arrival of US ground troops to "set them on fire."
ConflictsMarch 30, 2026
US VP JD Vance with Pakistani PM Shehbaz Sharif

US says warships passed Hormuz amid ongoing talks with Iran

The two US warships are set to begin clearing mines from the Strait of Hormuz, the US military said. DW has more.
ConflictsApril 12, 2026
Show more
Skip next section More on Religion from Europe

More on Religion from Europe

Close-up of a colorfully painted statue of Shiva with a blue face, gold jewelry, and yellow floral garlands at the newly opened Sri Ganesha Hindu Temple in Berlin-Hasenheide; surrounded by ornately decorated columns and other figures

Berlin's new Hindu temple

Many Hindus in Berlin are aiming to keep their faith alive far from home.
ReligionJune 7, 202605:07 min
King Felipe and Queen Letizia welcome Pope Leo XIV, wearing cross

Pope Leo XIV receives royal welcome in Spain

During his week in Spain, Leo is expected to focus on immigration, warning against "fanning the flames of polarization."
ReligionJune 7, 202602:23 min
Durva Barve, a smiling young woman, stands in front of a colorful Hindu temple in Berlin

Hindu life in Germany: Inside Berlin's newest Hindu temple

Follow a student living in Berlin as she helps open Germany's largest Hindu temple.
ReligionJune 2, 202608:33 min
Show more
Skip next section More on Religion from around the world

More on Religion from around the world

A male worshipper holds a cross to his bowed head during the Christian Good Friday procession in Jerusalem's Old City

Christians in Jerusalem fear rising violence

Anti-Christian attacks are on the rise in Israel, especially in Jerusalem.
ReligionMay 27, 202602:58 min
BdTD Saudi-Arabien Mekka 2026 | Pilger am Berg Arafat während der Hadsch

Pilgrims pray on Mount Arafat as Hajj reaches peak

The Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, must be performed at least once by all Muslims with the means to do so.
ReligionMay 26, 202601:57 min
Pope Leo XIV meets US Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the Vatican, May 7, 2026

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio visits Vatican, Pope Leo

Will Marco Rubio's meeting with Pope Leo XIV help to mend relations between the Vatican and the White House?
ReligionMay 7, 202602:23 min
Show more