Heavenly Hostilities: White House Clashes with Pope Over 'Epic Fury' Prayers

The White House pushed back Monday against criticism from Pope Leo XIV, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defending public prayers for U.S. troops as a “noble” tradition rooted in America’s values, even as the pontiff declared that God “does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war.”

The exchange came during a White House briefing on Operation Epic Fury, now in its 31st day, as U.S. and Israeli forces continue a major campaign against Iran’s nuclear sites, oil infrastructure, and military targets. Leavitt was responding directly to the Pope’s Palm Sunday homily on March 29, in which he told tens of thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Square that Jesus is “King of Peace, who rejects war” and “does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war, but rejects them.”

“I don’t think there is anything wrong with our military leaders or with the president calling on the American people to pray for our servicemembers and those who are serving our country overseas,” Leavitt told reporters. “In fact, I think it’s a very noble thing to do.”

She added that the United States was “founded 250 years ago… on Judeo-Christian values,” and that presidents and military leaders have turned to prayer “during the most turbulent times in our nation’s history.” Leavitt noted that many service members “appreciate the prayers.”

Pope Leo XIV, the first U.S.-born pontiff, has repeatedly condemned the ongoing war and called for dialogue. In unusually forceful remarks opening Holy Week, he cited a biblical passage about “hands full of blood,” urging world leaders not to use faith to justify conflict. The comments were widely seen as a rebuke aimed at the Trump administration’s military campaign.

Operation Epic Fury, launched jointly with Israel on February 28, has already destroyed more than 11,000 Iranian targets, according to U.S. Central Command updates. Thousands of American paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne, Navy SEALs, Army Rangers, and Marines are positioned in the region for potential ground operations focused on neutralizing Iran’s nuclear program and energy infrastructure. Officials have signaled the campaign is designed to achieve its objectives in 4–6 weeks without a prolonged occupation.

The briefing came amid domestic debate, with some voices in Congress and the public urging the administration to prioritize U.S. domestic issues and avoid further troop deployments overseas.

Leavitt did not directly confront the Pope’s theological argument but emphasized that seeking divine guidance remains a longstanding American practice in wartime. The White House has not commented further on the Vatican’s position.