Popes of earlier ages would not recognize this man’s teaching.
On Palm Sunday, March 29, 2026, Pope Leo XIV preached a homily that has been getting a great deal of attention for his claim that “Jesus, King of Peace,” actually “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’” (Is 1:15).
The pope added that “While he was burdened with our sufferings and pierced for our sins, Jesus ‘did not open his mouth, like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent’ (Is 53:7). He did not arm himself, or defend himself, or fight any war. He revealed the gentle face of God, who always rejects violence. Rather than saving himself, he allowed himself to be nailed to the cross, embracing every cross borne in every time and place throughout human history.”
The pontiff was clearly presenting these reflections as an example for us to follow, and as a warning: if we wage war or approve of war, apparently almighty God will be angry with us, and not hear our prayers. If we take up arms even in order to defend ourselves, or our country, or our civilization, that also will earn us God’s wrath. What we should instead do is allow ourselves to be nailed to the cross, presumably in anticipation of the resurrection, although the pope doesn’t mention that.
One of the many striking aspects of this homily is that it is completely at variance with the teaching of the Roman Catholic Church, as well as other Churches, throughout the ages. Christian authorities have never forbidden self-defense, and have regarded defense of one’s family and one’s nation as a noble duty rather than a crime so heinous that it will deafen God Himself. Aside from a handful of tiny sects, Christianity in all of its various manifestations has never been unilaterally pacifist. It has never counseled that one must allow oneself or one’s family or neighbors to be plundered, or raped, or even killed while standing by passively.
To be sure, no Christian tradition has anything resembling Islam’s doctrines of warfare, conquest and subjugation of unbelievers, but defensive warfare, undertaken with strict regard for the welfare of civilians and never for the sake of gaining territory or riches, has never been forbidden. In a wide variety of circumstances, popes throughout history have encouraged it. One of Leo’s predecessors, Pope Julius II, even earned the sobriquet “The Warrior Pope” for participating in it.
So Pope Leo is, without explanation or clarification, at variance with his own Church’s long tradition. And the context of his remarks makes matters even worse. The pope was clearly intending his homily as a rebuke of the U.S. and Israel, in their actions against the Islamic Republic of Iran. About the years of suffering of the Iranian people under the boot of the Islamic regime, he has had nothing to say. Nor has he offered any alternative remedies for those Iranian people as to how they can ultimately free themselves from the tyranny of the Islamic Republic.
What would the pope say if Islamic jihadis entered Vatican City and demanded that he resign and turn over Saint Peter’s to become a mosque? Given the now-accelerating Islamization of Europe, this is not an empty hypothetical or a cheap rhetorical trick. Islamic jihadis besieged Rome centuries ago, and a supposed prophecy of Islam’s prophet Muhammad promises that Muslims will eventually conquer it. If they get close to doing so during the papacy of Leo XIV, will he turn over the Vatican to them, watch it being transformed into a mosque, and abdicate the papal throne?
Maybe he will. He may believe that to do so would be following the way of the cross, and of the God who emptied Himself for the salvation of mankind. Maybe he thinks that such an action would be a supreme act of charity. But would it be, really? Would consigning millions of Christians to the precarious existence of dhimmitude, in which their lives would be forfeit at the word of a Muslim and they would have to endure all manner of discrimination and harassment, really be an act of charity?
There was a reason why the Fathers of the Church deemed self-defense acceptable and even righteous in some circumstances. The pope should acquaint himself with those reasons.
Billy says
The imbecile Pope thinks that he is doing God’s work while the merciless Beast System’s ideology, Islam and its Sharia, continues its Islamization of the world. The Church’s basic job was to preach the Gospel to the world for their salvation and to make disciples for Christ, for YHWH. Instead, the Pope fails to expose Islam as a Criminal-Terrorist-Gang Enterprise, another Antichrist System threatening the world (Qur’an 9:5, 29, 111; 49:15, etc.).
Bob Biermann says
Ever since Benedict was pushed out, the two most recent “popes” have been seemingly servants of the demonic Nee World Order.
The Mayor says
I agree, Bob. Is it coincidence, that Francis was, and, Leo is, far left, islam loving, Jew hating pontiffs? Why did the cardinals pick 2 from the same misbegotten mold, to be the head of the Church? Deliberate suicide? Or, is there some noble purpose, that we laymen just can`t see?
Bexarkat says
As a non-Christian I pose this question; did Jesus say this or is this comment attributed to him by another observer who most audaciously speaks on behalf of Jesus of Nazareth?
Maria V says
Not Only is Islam Demonic, but so IS Communism. Both Evil both For The Destruction of the West. Their Main Prize; ‘The Downfall & Destruction of America…
OLD GUY says
You are right Maria, America is the big prize for Islam. Sadly our leaders have allowed the migration invasion of islam into America and they are slowly gaining power in numbers.
gravenimage says
Yes–with al respect to the rest of the civilized world, America may be the considered the biggest prize of all for Jihad thugs.
maria v says
We need to start peacefully protesting in the streets. We have to do something! I keep harassing my Senator with phone calls and I’m not going to stop until these Islamists & Marxists get the hell out of our country!
gravenimage says
Bexarkat, this quote is from Isaiah 1:15, not Jesus. And given that Isaiah 1:17 reads “Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed” the claim that this passage is telling Christians–and Jews–to submit to evil seems *very* questionable.
Bexarkat says
Thank you for this clarification. Those who deceitfully speak on behalf of the Christian Messiah do a disservice to devout believers.
gravenimage says
Agreed, Bexarkat. Thanks.
Troybeam says
YES, this Pope and past Pope are liberals who cannot seem to keep personal feeling out and focus on God’s word.
࿗Infidel࿘ says
One time that Betteridge’s Law of headlines doesn’t apply – the answer being “YES”!
jerry glenn says
Pope Dhimmi II has spoken.
Winston 101 says
Excellent post! Thank you.
Mid Atlantic Sojourner says
The Lamb of God who did not open his mouth and remained silent would never have been able to give the greatest story ever told, let alone uttered The Seven Last Words!
No one took Jesus’ life from Him. God had given him a specific task. That task was to lay down his life on behalf of the world (John 10:18).
As for not listening to prayers from those whose hands are full of blood — He came to save sinners not saints. Also there is The Parable of the Persistent Widow. (Luke 18:1-8)
Andrew Knight says
To me, Islam is a conduit for the most virulent evil. I fear many good folk are not realising just how evil this evil force is. Of course the ambition of the pro-Islam people, to take over the whole world, is helped by people underestimating the scale of the evil intent, which originates somewhere non-human. That is how I see this.
Wellington says
I have to wonder how many American Catholics will just finally give up on their Church considering the last two Popes, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) being all out for illegal immigration, Catholic Charities accepting millions from the government to bring in undesirables, many Catholic universities now a cruel farce, etc.? I’d be interested in seeing statistics about this in the coming years. One thing is for sure and that is the Catholicism of old is not the Catholicism of today.
James Lincoln says
Wellington says,
“One thing is for sure and that is the Catholicism of old is not the Catholicism of today.”
Absolutely true.
Surprisingly, there are still some decent parish priests.
Something must happen when some priests move up the Catholic hierarchy…
Maria V says
Nope. The strong, faithful and conservative Catholics like myself will be the Remnant. Christ knew that in His Church there would be wolves among the sheep. The majority of the popes have been good Shepherds however there was about Six who were corrupt with some put in as popes by corrupt Kings/Queens. The fact is, our world Is infected by the evil 😈 one.
somehistory says
The creature doesn’t know the Book he pretends to use for his ‘homilies.’ Isaiah wrote that Jesus is the “Prince of Peace”….not the “King of Peace.” Jesus is not only the “Prince of Peace,” He is “Eternal Father, Mighty God. Wonderful Counselor.”
Jesus also said, “Do not call anyone your father on earth.” Does the creature called pope not read those words of Jesus? Jesus told His disciples not to take titles upon themselves as all “are brothers.” How about the “pope” and his many titles? does he not put a value on those words of Jesus Christ?
What the pope does is “cherry pick”….and even then, he makes a mess of it by misapplying Scripture
In his twisted view, Christians are not to defend themselves. I recall that his former boss, slapped the hand of a poor woman, needing comfort or help, or just wanting to be near the human she may have (wrongly) adored, when she touched him..
And what about the man in the video posted from Seattle, just waiting for a train when attacked….what would this idiot in Italy say to him? Should he have just given in and fallen onto the tracks?
The “pope”….friend to muzzies, enemy of Christians. False prophet, wolfie in sheep’s clothing, giving bad, very bad, advice.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/crime/lurking-criminal-waits-for-train-to-arrive-before-shoving-seattle-straphanger-tense-video-shows/ar-AA1ZVmc0?ocid=msedgntp&pc=HCTS&cvid=69ce8974e59b4deb93678847ab5a9d43&ei=56
Maria V says
The last 2 pops Provost & Bergoglio were indoctrinated in ‘Liberation Theology, or in other words; MARXISM. Communism infiltrated the Vatican in the early 1960’s under John XXIII. We didn’t fare any better under Paul VI who opened Vatican2 under his pontificate. He let in SIX Protestant ministers to give their input at the Vatican. So our Church has been watered down for at least 70yrs now.
Same thing happened to our Country. Communism infiltration happened since the early 1920’s 30’s. We even had a Socialist President, Woodrow Wilson.
Sen. Joseph McCarthy stepped down as he was ostracized (in the 1950’s) for spreading information in the White House, that DC had many Communists working for the downfall of America.
In other words, Communism has infected Every Segment of Society, the Church and The Government.
Tim gallagher says
The last two popes definitely seem like trendy wishy washy leftists. They should know how evil islam and they should call it out as the evil ideology that it is. They are just like so many other ignoramuses who knows bugger all about Islam. Such a failing makes them useless as far as I’m concerned. The threat of islam is too important an issue to remain ignorant about.
GE says
Imho this is more of the Marxist “liberation theology” that is infecting the Catholic Church.
Urban 2 called for the Crusades. He called for war and defense of the Holy Land.
Also imho, the Crusades have gotten a bum rap with all the skata revisionist history they come up with these days.
Winston 101 says
As I asked previously regarding Pope Dhimmi II, (as Jerry Glenn so aptly named him)
What are those, rightfully, armed to the teeth, Swiss Guards for? Those are not play weapons they carry.
For any cartoonists out there: Draw Pope Dhimmi II being attached by an Islamist while Swiss Guards merely look on. One guard says to the other:
“We wouldn’t want our hands to be full of blood!”
gravenimage says
Yes–that would be a fine cartoon.
gravenimage says
Is the Pope Cheering on the West’s Civilizational Suicide?
………………………………………….
The claim that Christianity teaches our having to embrace evil is *quite* false.
somehistory says
The pope is a pompous fool. Christ is not “suffering.” He is on His heavenly throne at God’s Right Hand.
The creature calls himself the “spiritual leader to the world.” Jesus Christ said “the world hates” Him and His disciples.
Any thinking person, Catholic or not, will not listen to the pompous tool.
“Pope Leo XIV will personally carry the wooden cross through all 14 stations of the Way of the Cross at the Colosseum on his first Good Friday as pontiff.
It will mark the first time in decades that a pope carries the cross to every station.
“I think it will be an important sign because of what the pope represents, a spiritual leader in the world today, and for this voice, that everyone wants to hear, that says Christ still suffers,” Leo told reporters this week outside of the papal retreat at Castel Gandolfo.”
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/pope-revives-decades-gone-tradition-on-first-good-friday-as-pontiff/ar-AA206fHI?ocid=msedgntp&pc=HCTS&cvid=69d0a946dd4e4edb8ad1a6f4517ceb77&cvpid=9ca58930f8ec497284eba3ff24bea3cd&ei=48