Pope Leo XIV reportedly criticized U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth during Easter mass at the Vatican on April 4, 2026, according to Swedish media reports citing The New York Times. The American-born pontiff used his Easter sermon to address what he characterized as the distortion of Christian teachings to justify warfare.
During the mass, Pope Leo XIV stated that 'God shows how to give life, not how to destroy life,' and that the Christian message is often distorted. He specifically referenced the 'desire for dominance' which he said 'often distorts the Christian mission into something completely foreign to the way of Jesus Christ.'
God shows how to give life, not how to destroy life
The criticism appeared directed at Secretary Hegseth, who has reportedly invoked Christianity as a moral compass during the war with Iran on multiple occasions. According to the reports, Hegseth has expressed that there is a 'divine purpose' to the warfare in Iran and has urged Americans to pray 'every day, on bended knee, with your family, in your schools, in your churches' and 'in the name of Jesus Christ.'
The Vatican Easter mass traditionally draws global attention, but this year's service gained particular notice for its pointed commentary on the intersection of faith and military conflict.
the Christian message is often distorted
the 'desire for dominance' which he said 'often distorts the Christian mission into something completely foreign to the way of Jesus Christ'
there is a 'divine purpose' to the warfare in Iran
every day, on bended knee, with your family, in your schools, in your churches' and 'in the name of Jesus Christ