THE WHITE HOUSE has defended prayers for “overwhelming violence” in Iran after Pope Leo said “God does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war”.

Last week, the self-styled “Secretary of War” Pete Hegseth prayed for “overwhelming violence” against enemies during a Christian worship service at the Pentagon.

He said the prayer was “fitting given what’s going on right now” and that the prayer was sent to him by a military chaplain prior to the raid to capture then-Venezuela President Nicolás Maduro.

“Let every round find its mark against the enemies of righteousness and our great nation,” Hegseth prayed.

“Give them wisdom in every decision, endurance for the trial ahead, unbreakable unity, and overwhelming violence of action against those who deserve no mercy.”

In what has been viewed by many as a rebuke of Hegseth, Pope Leo XIV yesterday used his Palm Sunday homily to remark that God doesn’t listen to “those who wage war”.

In his homily from St Peter’s Square, Leo said: “God 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’.”

Leo added that Jesus was a “King of Peace who rejects war, whom no one can use to justify war”. 

Leo also said that when he reflects on the crucified Christ, “we hear the painful groans of all those who are oppressed by violence and are victims of war”.

At a press conference today, White House press Secretary Karoline Leavitt was asked about Leo’s comments.

“Our nation was a nation founded 250 years ago – almost – on Christian-Judeo values,” said Leavitt.

“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 service members and those who are serving our country overseas.

“In fact, I think it’s a very noble thing to do and if you talk to many service members, they will tell you they appreciate the prayers and support from the Commander-in-Chief and his Cabinet.”

At the beginning of the press conference, Leavitt asked those assembled: “Could you hear our ‘amen’ in there? We just had a little loud prayer as a team.

Leavitt begins the press briefing: "Could you hear our 'amen' in there? We just had a little loud prayer as a team. In this holy week, President Trump and the First Lady are joining in prayer with Christians celebrating the resurrection of our lord and savior, Jesus Christ." pic.twitter.com/SFCJCRD3GD

— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) March 30, 2026

“In this Holy Week, President Trump and the First Lady are joining in prayer with Christians celebrating the resurrection of our Lord and saviour, Jesus Christ.”

Meanwhile, Leavitt said the White House expressed “concerns” over Israeli police blocking Jerusalem’s Catholic leader from accessing Christianity’s holiest site on Palm Sunday.

“We want worshipers to be able to access these holy sites.”

Leavitt said the White House acknowledged Israeli concerns over “safety.”

The incident sparked outrage in Europe and today, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the head of the Catholic Church in the Holy Land, would get “full and immediate access.”

Leo has called several times for a ceasefire with Iran, but when asked about the pontiff’s plea, Trump recently remarked: “I don’t want to do a ceasefire.

Q: Pope Leo is calling for a ceasefire, what do you say to the Pope?

Trump: I don't wanna do a ceasefire pic.twitter.com/rIqLrioQiV

— Headquarters (@HQNewsNow) March 20, 2026

“You don’t do a ceasefire when you’re literally obliterating the other side.”