Pope Leo XIV has publicly condemned Donald Trump’s military operation in Iran, stating that God does not heed the prayers of those who engage in warfare. During his Palm Sunday address, the pontiff advocated for peace, reminding worshipers that Jesus Christ rejects the prayers of those with “hands full of blood.” The Pope expressed deep concern for “crucified humanity” and urged those instigating conflicts to have mercy on the victims. This statement comes amid reports of U.S. officials using religious justifications for the war, with some commanders reportedly invoking divine plans and Armageddon to encourage troops, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth praying for “overwhelming violence” in Iran.
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Pope Leo XIV delivered a forceful Palm Sunday address at St. Peter’s Square, condemning leaders who initiate wars and citing biblical passages to assert that God rejects the prayers of those with “hands full of blood.” He described the ongoing Iran war as “atrocious” and emphasized that Jesus, the King of Peace, cannot be invoked to justify conflict, noting that the pontiff has been increasingly critical of the war and calls for an immediate ceasefire. The Pope highlighted the suffering of Middle Eastern Christians and questioned their ability to celebrate Easter due to the conflict, while also referencing Jesus’ rejection of violence during his own arrest and crucifixion.
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Despite efforts to bring redistricting reform to the ballot in Utah, the petition fell short of the required signatures across 26 state Senate districts. This setback occurred after a nonprofit successfully encouraged voters to withdraw their support, following a broader trend of redistricting wars initiated by President Trump’s call for Republican-friendly gerrymandering. While Democrats have countered with their own redistricting efforts in states like California and now Utah, the potential for vote suppression and election challenges from Trump presents an ongoing complication for the upcoming midterms.
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John Q. Hosedrinker