Defense Secretary Hegseth says US troops are ‘fighting for Jesus’; Pope says no

In a religious address on the Thursday before Easter, the Pope stated that Christian missions have often been “distorted by the desire for domination,” which stands in direct contradiction to the teachings of Jesus Christ.
Meanwhile, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth called on Americans to pray “in the name of Jesus Christ” for military victory in the Middle East. However, the first American-born pope, Pope Leo XIV, expressed a sharply different perspective on what should be done in Jesus’ name.
Without directly mentioning Hegseth, the Pope suggested that Christianity is being used for purposes that do not align with Catholic teachings. Since the U.S. and Israel began bombing Iran in late February, he has consistently called for an end to violence and urged that the crisis be resolved through dialogue.
Speaking during a Holy Thursday ceremony at the Basilica of Saint John Lateran, the Pope said: “When we dominate others, we think we are powerful; when we destroy equals, we feel victorious; and when others fear us, we believe we are great. But God has shown us an example not of domination, but of liberation; not of taking life, but of giving life.”
Earlier, in a sermon at the end of March, the Pope warned against invoking Jesus’ name in support of war, saying that Jesus “does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war, but instead rejects them.”
During his first year as Pope, he has been cautious about directly engaging in U.S. politics and has avoided open confrontation with the White House. Nevertheless, he has exercised his influence indirectly. For example, when President Donald Trump intensified deportation efforts last year, the Pope encouraged U.S. bishops to stand in solidarity with migrants.
When asked directly by a journalist whether he had a message for the President, the Pope briefly addressed Trump. Speaking on March 31 outside Rome in Castel Gandolfo, he said: “I have been told that President Trump has recently expressed a desire to end the war. I hope he is seeking ways to reduce violence and bombing.”
The Pope also noted that he has not spoken directly with Trump about the conflict. However, according to a Vatican statement, he held a phone conversation on Friday morning with Israeli President Isaac Herzog. During the call, he emphasized once again the importance of dialogue and de-escalation to achieve a “just and lasting peace” in the Middle East.