White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt responded to comments from Pope Leo XIV regarding war and prayer during a briefing focused on the ongoing conflict with Iran. The pope stated that Jesus Christ is the “King of Peace, who rejects war, whom no one can use to justify war,” adding, “He does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war, but rejects them,” citing Isaiah 1:15.
Leavitt did not directly challenge the pope’s remarks but emphasized the longstanding role of prayer in American history. She said, “Our nation was a nation founded 250 years ago, almost, on Judeo-Christian values,” and defended leaders calling for prayer during wartime.
The briefing also addressed criticism of a Pentagon prayer invoking judgment against enemies, highlighting ongoing debate over how faith is expressed during times of war. Leavitt pointed to the historical precedent of American leaders calling the nation to prayer in moments of conflict, emphasizing appeals for wisdom, protection, and justice, as discussions continue over the place of prayer in wartime leadership.
