Pope Leo has suggested that Christian political leaders who start wars should reassess whether they are following the teachings of Jesus.
Posing the question to priests in a speech about confessing sins, he said: “Do those Christians who bear grave responsibility in armed conflicts have the humility and courage to make a serious examination of conscience and to go to confession?”
Pope Leo made the comments in a wider sermon about the “widespread inattention” of Catholics to confession according to OSV News.
It comes as war in the Middle East continues, with Donald Trump suggesting that “the terms are not good enough” for him to end the conflict in an interview with NBC News.
On Sunday, Pope Leo reiterated his calls for an immediate ceasefire during the weekly Angelus prayer in St. Peter’s Square.
“In the name of Christians in the Middle East and of all women and men of good will, I appeal to those responsible for this conflict: Cease fire,” Pope Leo said.
“Thousands of innocent people have been killed, and many more have been forced to leave their homes. I renew my closeness to all those who have lost their loved ones in the attacks,” he added.
Pope Leo shared his concern for the situation in Lebanon, where Father Pierre El Rai was killed while helping victims of Israeli shelling.