The White House took a position on Monday, March 30, 2026, regarding recent statements from Pope Leo XIV criticizing heads of state engaged in armed conflicts, while also addressing the diplomatic incident involving the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem on Palm Sunday.
During a press briefing largely focused on the ongoing conflict with Iran, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt was questioned about the homily delivered the previous day in Rome by the Holy Father. The Supreme Pontiff stated that Jesus Christ is the "King of Peace, who rejects war and whom no one can use to justify it." Citing the prophet Isaiah, the Pope added that God "does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war," emphasizing that their hands are "full of blood." Since the beginning of hostilities, Leo XIV has repeatedly called for a ceasefire and humanitarian aid, describing this conflict as a "scandal for the entire human family."
Without directly disavowing the Pope's remarks, Karoline Leavitt noted that prayer has always held a central place in American history, particularly in times of crisis. "Our nation was founded nearly 250 years ago on Judeo-Christian values," she stated, adding that she believes it is "noble" for the president or military leaders to invite citizens to pray for troops serving abroad.
This reaction comes as the Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, faces sharp criticism for invoking imprecatory psalms against the enemies of the United States. During a prayer service at the Pentagon, Mr. Hegseth read a text asking God to grant American forces an "overwhelming violence of action against those who deserve no mercy." This prayer, originally composed for the special unit that captured former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro last January, called for justice to be executed "without remorse" so that the ungodly souls would be delivered to "eternal damnation."
Furthermore, the White House addressed the serious diplomatic tension that arose in Jerusalem. On Sunday, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa was prevented by Israeli police from entering the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre for security reasons. The Latin Patriarch ultimately had to celebrate Palm Sunday Mass outdoors, on the Mount of Olives.
In response to protests from the Vatican and several Western chancelleries, including that of U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu offered apologies, assuring that no "malicious intent" was behind this obstruction. Israeli President Isaac Herzog also expressed his "immense regret" to Cardinal Pizzaballa.
Karoline Leavitt indicated she had discussed the matter with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, himself a practicing Catholic. "We have expressed our concerns to Israel regarding the closure of these holy sites," she clarified, while acknowledging security imperatives. Religious sites in the Old City are indeed closed to the public by order of the internal military command due to Iranian ballistic missile fire. Since the conflict began, these attacks have caused the deaths of at least 19 people in Israel, and debris from projectiles has fallen just meters from the Holy Sepulchre, as well as on several convents and neighborhoods of the historic city.
Concluding her remarks, the White House spokesperson emphasized that Israel is currently working to implement security measures allowing for the reopening of the holy sites for the remainder of Holy Week, an effort the United States says it strongly encourages.