Hegseth's War Prayer and the Pope's Rebuke

“

I call on those who have the power to unleash wars to lay down their weapons and choose peace.

“

Under the just war theory, it is not [justified] because while there is a threat with nuclear arms, it's compensating for a threat before the threat is actually realized.

“

It's a little bit problematic in the sense that the Lord Jesus certainly brought a message of peace and also, I think war is always a last resort. It's hard to cast this war as something that would be sponsored by the Lord.

“

I don't think there's anything wrong with our military leaders or with the president calling on the American people to pray for our service members and those who are serving our country overseas. Our nation was founded 250 years ago on Judeo-Christian values and U.S. leaders have turned to prayer during the most turbulent times in our nation's history.

“

Brothers and sisters, this is our God: Jesus, King of Peace, who rejects war, whom no one can use to justify war. He does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war, but rejects them, saying: Even though you make many prayers, I will not listen: your hands are full of blood.

“

Let every round find its mark against the enemies of righteousness and our great nation. Give them wisdom in every decision, endurance for the trial ahead, unbreakable unity, and overwhelming violence of action against those who deserve no mercy. We ask these things with bold confidence in the mighty and powerful name of Jesus Christ.

“

I ask you to pray every day, on bended knee, with your family, in your schools, in your churches, in the name of Jesus Christ.