Trending Now - Pope Leo XIV Calls for Easter Peace Talks to Resolve Conflict
WHO:
AP News - Pope Leo XIV, President Trump, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth
People's World - Pope Leo XIV, U.S. lawmakers, Christian nationalist leaders, Rev. Primo Racimo
WHAT:
AP News - Pope Leo XIV stated, “I’m told that President Trump has recently stated that he would like to end the war,” expressing hope for a reduction in violence.
AP News - Pope Leo XIV emphasized the need for “ways to reduce the amount of violence,” highlighting the suffering of “innocent children” during his remarks.
People's World - Pope Leo XIV condemned military airstrikes on Iran, stating, “Thousands of innocent people have been killed, and many others have been forced to abandon their homes.”
AP News - Pope Leo XIV expressed hope for an end to the U.S.-Israel war on Iran before Easter 2026.
AP News - Pope Leo XIV called for dialogue among world leaders to reduce violence.
People's World - Pope Leo XIV condemned military airstrikes on Iran, stating, “Thousands of innocent people have been killed.”
People's World - Pope Leo XIV stated, “God refuses the prayers of leaders who have hands full of blood.”
People's World - Hegseth called for prayers to support U.S. troops in their mission, saying, “Let every round find its mark against the enemies of righteousness and our great nation.”
WHERE:
AP News - Castel Gandolfo, Vatican City
AP News - St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City
People's World - Pentagon, Washington D.C.
WHEN:
AP News - Pope Leo XIV's remarks were made on Tuesday, March 31st, 2026, during Holy Week.
AP News - Pope Leo XIV made his remarks on Tuesday, March 31st, 2026.
AP News - Palm Sunday was celebrated on March 29th, 2026.
People's World - Hegseth made his remarks four days prior to March 29th, 2026.
WHY:
AP News - Pope Leo XIV aims to decrease violence and promote peace during Holy Week, the most sacred period for Christians.
People's World - Pope Leo XIV criticized the use of religious justification for war by leaders, emphasizing that “He does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war.”
HOW:
AP News - Pope Leo XIV will carry out the Holy Thursday foot-washing tradition at St. John Lateran and preside over the Good Friday procession at Rome’s Colosseum, where he will carry the cross himself.
AP News - Pope Leo XIV called on world leaders to return to dialogue to reduce violence.
People's World - Hegseth organized “prayer meetings” at the Pentagon to invoke divine support for military actions.
(UPDATED April 1, 2026 19:20 UTC)
on Tuesday, Pope Leo XIV expressed hope for a reduction in violence, noting that President Trump has indicated a desire to end the war. The Pope condemned military airstrikes on Iran, highlighting the tragic impact on innocent people, particularly children, who have suffered greatly. As part of Holy Week, he will perform the foot-washing tradition at St. John Lateran and lead the Good Friday procession at Rome’s Colosseum, where he will carry the cross himself.
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(UPDATED April 1, 2026 17:19 UTC)
On Tuesday, on Tuesday, Pope Leo XIV expressed hope for an end to the U.S.-Israel war on Iran before Easter 2026, while condemning military airstrikes and emphasizing that “God refuses the prayers of leaders who have hands full of blood.” During his remarks in Vatican City, he called for dialogue among world leaders to reduce violence, aiming to promote peace during Holy Week, the most sacred period for Christians. Meanwhile, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth organized prayer meetings at the Pentagon to support U.S. troops, urging that “every round find its mark against the enemies of righteousness and our great nation.”