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White House Defends Troop Prayers Amid Pope's War Critique

3/31/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The White House defended prayers for United States troops amid the ongoing Iran war after Pope Leo XIV criticized them.
The pope told a crowd in St. Peter's Square that God rejects those who wage war and called the conflict atrocious.
He said Jesus cannot justify war, urged an immediate ceasefire, and denounced military airstrikes as indiscriminate.

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Story summary

The White House defended prayers for United States troops amid the ongoing Iran war after Pope Leo XIV criticized them.
The pope told a crowd in St. Peter's Square that God rejects those who wage war and called the conflict atrocious.
He said Jesus cannot justify war, urged an immediate ceasefire, and denounced military airstrikes as indiscriminate.