Story perspectives

Defense Secretary Faces Backlash for Christian Nationalism in Prayer

3/31/2026

Summary

Story summary

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's invocation of Christian nationalism during the Iran war drew significant criticism after he prayed for 'overwhelming violence' at a Pentagon worship service.
Pope Leo XIV rebuked such views, saying God rejects prayers from those who wage war.
The actions unsettled military officials and raised reports of pressure on service members to attend.
A lawsuit has been filed against the Pentagon seeking transparency about these worship services.

History

Historical Context

The 2003 U.S. invasion of Iraq reignited debates over the intersection of religion and military action, echoing historical tensions from the Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988), where Saddam Hussein's regime promoted Islam to unify the nation. The rise of religious nationalism in military contexts, highlighted by a 30% increase in religious services on bases, raises concerns about the separation of church and state, as seen in ongoing lawsuits against the Pentagon.

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Story summary

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's invocation of Christian nationalism during the Iran war drew significant criticism after he prayed for 'overwhelming violence' at a Pentagon worship service.
Pope Leo XIV rebuked such views, saying God rejects prayers from those who wage war.
The actions unsettled military officials and raised reports of pressure on service members to attend.
A lawsuit has been filed against the Pentagon seeking transparency about these worship services.

1 / 2