Pope Leo: God Rejects Prayers of Warring Leaders, Hands Full of Blood

• Pope Leo stated God rejects prayers of leaders who wage wars and have “hands full of blood” as the Gulf war entered its second month.
• Addressing people in St. Peter’s Square, the pontiff called the conflict “atrocious” and emphasized Jesus cannot justify wars.
• Pope Leo cited a Bible passage: “Even though you make many prayers, I will not listen: your hands are full of blood.”
• He noted Christians in the Middle East are suffering and may not celebrate Easter due to the conflict.
• The Pope has consistently urged for an immediate ceasefire, calling the war in West Asia a “scandal to the whole humanity”.