‘Pope Leo Got It Wrong’ - Oyakhilome Reacts To War Remarks

‘Pope Leo Got It Wrong’ – Oyakhilome Reacts To War Remarks’
Pope says God does not hear prayers of leaders at war.
Pastor argues some wars are divinely sanctioned in Scripture.

Senior Pastor of Christ Embassy, Chris Oyakhilome, has criticised comments by Pope Leo XIV on the ongoing Iran war.

The Pope made the remarks during a Palm Sunday homily at St. Peter’s Square, where he described Christ as the “King of Peace” and stated that God does not hear the prayers of leaders who promote or engage in war.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that reflecting on the message of Jesus, the pontiff said: “As Jesus walked the Way of the Cross, we walk with Him and contemplate His passion, which He bore for the sake of humanity as a gift of love.

“He remains steadfast in meekness, while others are stirring up violence. He offers Himself to embrace humanity, even as others raise swords and clubs.”

Reacting during a live Global Prayer programme at Christ Embassy, Oyakhilome disagreed with the Pope’s position, describing it as a misinterpretation of Scripture.

“Jesus is the will of the Father. If you have seen Him, you have seen the Father,” Oyakhilome said. “There are many wars God Himself told His children to start. Starting a war is not the problem; the issue is whether it aligns with God’s purpose. On this, Pope Leo erred.”

The clergyman argued that biblical teachings show instances where God commanded His people to engage in battles, stressing that such actions were driven by divine purpose.

He cited examples including the instruction given to the Children of Israel to take possession of the Promised Land, noting that such conflicts were sanctioned to fulfil God’s will.