Pope Leo addressed a religious gathering in Vatican City, saying that God does not hear the prayers of those who wage wars and has "hands full of blood".
He said no one needs to justify wars in the name of religion. Speaking on Palm Sunday in St. Peter's Square, the pontiff called the ongoing conflict in Iran "atrocious" and added that Jesus, King of Peace, cannot be used to justify any war.
The pope, the first born in the United States, did not mention any leader by name, but his remarks were widely interpreted as directed towards U.S. President Donald Trump.
He emphasised that Jesus rejects war and that prayers of those who initiate conflicts are not accepted by God.
