On March 29, Pope Leo XIV expressly rejected claims that God justifies war during the celebration of a Palm Sunday Mass before tens of thousands of people in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican.
"Brothers and sisters, this is our God: Jesus, King of Peace, who rejects war, whom no one can use to justify war. He does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war, but rejects them," Pope Leo said in his speech.
His statement comes amid recent claims by leaders on all sides of the Iran War, including US officials, that reference faith and appeal to religion to justify their actions. Similarly, Russia’s Orthodox Church endorsed Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as a "holy war" against the Western world that embraced "satanism," according to a document issued and approved by the Church.
Sadly, war has been present in our lives ever since the dawn of time. For territorial, religious, and political reasons, humankind has resorted to the use of force on innumerable occasions. But what does the Bible say about it? Did Jesus bring a new perspective to God's message in the Old Testament? Is war ever the answer?
Browse through the following gallery and learn more about what the Bible says about war.