Following the pope's comment, the White House speaks out in support of prayer for American military personnel

On Monday, the White House countered Pope Leo XIV's assertion that God rejects the prayers of those who wage war, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stating that there is nothing wrong with the president and military leaders calling on Americans to pray for US troops engaged in the Iran war.

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Leavitt made this statement in response to a question about the pope's comments during his Palm Sunday homily, in which he said, "This is our God… A God who refuses war… who does not listen to the prayer of those who wage war."

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Pope Leo XIV, the first US-born pope, has been a vocal critic of the war, repeatedly condemning it and advocating for dialogue, although he has been cautious in his statements since the US-Israeli strikes on Iran began the conflict on February 28.

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Leavitt and other members of the Trump administration have been open about their Christian faith, with Leavitt mentioning that her team had just finished a "little loud prayer" before the press conference began.

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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has also used religious language to frame the conflict, offering a prayer at the Pentagon in which he said, "Let every round find its mark against the enemies of righteousness and our great nation."

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In response to the pope's comments, Leavitt, who is Catholic, along with Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, emphasized that the United States was founded on Judeo-Christian values.

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Leavitt noted that leaders and troops have prayed during tumultuous times in the nation's history, and that many servicemembers appreciate these prayers, adding that she thinks it's a "very noble thing to do."

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Last week, the pope called for a ceasefire in the Middle East, citing the fact that over a million people have been forced to flee their homes and urging the warring parties to engage in talks.