Pope Leo Urges Christian Political Leaders Who Start Wars to Examine Their 'Conscience' and 'Go To Confession' [View all]

Source: MEDIAite

Mar 13th, 2026, 7:37 pm


Pope Leo XIV spoke about the responsibilities of political leaders who initiate wars during a speech to priests on Friday, suggesting they should examine their consciences and go to confession.

Leo, formerly known as Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, made history last year when he became the first American pope. Catholics in his hometown of Chicago cheered his selection, as did many others who had worked with him during his long career. He has been an outspoken advocate against numerous wars, including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and more recently the U.S. and Israeli strikes in Iran.

The pope has previously criticized President Donald Trump’s administration directly, objecting to his immigration policies, taking issue with Vice President JD Vance’s comments about the theological concept of ordo amoris, and rejecting Trump’s invitation to join his newly-formed “Board of Peace.” Leo did not mention any specific political leaders by name in his remarks on Friday, according to a report by Reuters’ Joshua McElwee.

“Do those Christians who bear grave responsibility in armed conflicts have the humility and courage ​to make a serious examination of conscience and to ​go to confession?” Leo posed a question to the priests. Trump is Presbyterian, but both Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are Catholic. Vance converted to the faith in 2019.

Read more: https://www.mediaite.com/media/news/pope-leo-urges-christian-political-leaders-who-start-wars-to-examine-their-conscience-and-go-to-confession/

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