Pope Leo suggests Christian leaders who start wars should go to confession

Pope Leo suggests Christian leaders who start wars should go to confession Scripps News Mar 13, 2026 Pope Leo XIV said Christian leaders who bear responsibility for armed conflicts should examine their consciences and seek confession. "Do those Christians who bear serious responsibility in armed conflicts have the humility and courage to make a serious examination of conscience and to go to confession?" Leo said during a speech on Friday. The pope did not name any specific conflict or individual, but he has repeatedly appealed for peace in Iran and the Middle East, describing the situation as "deeply disturbing." In January, Leo lamented that "war is back in vogue and a zeal for war is spreading." via CNN