Defense Secretary's Wartime Prayer Services Draw Criticism

Last week, Americans United for Separation of Church and State filed a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit against the Defense Department seeking information about Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth's monthly Christian Prayer & Worship Services at the Pentagon. (Full text of complaint in Americans United for Separation of Church and State v. U.S. Department of Defense, (D DC, filed 3/23/2026)). Military Times last week reported on the religious services in an article titled Hegseth Prays for 'Overwhelming Violence' During Pentagon Christian Service. Pope Leo XIV's Palm Sunday Homily seemed to aim criticism at Hegseth. The Pope said in part:

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” (Is 1:15).

Pope Leo Is Invited to Join Trump's Board of Peace

Speaking to the press on Wednesday, Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin confirmed that Pope Leo XIV has been invited by President Donald Trump to join the Board of Peace for Gaza.  According to Vatican News:

Turning to the topic of the Board of Peace for Gaza, the Cardinal reflected on how President Trump is inviting a number of countries to participate.

“I believe I read in the newspaper this morning that Italy, too, is considering whether or not to join,” he continued, “We also received the invitation to the Board of Peace for Gaza; the Pope has received it, and we are considering what to do.”

He argued, “It is an issue that requires some time to be properly assessed and to provide a response.”

Speaking about the Board of Peace for Gaza, the Cardinal said that the Holy See would not take part financially, noting, “We are not even in a position to do so.”

However, he pointed out that the Vatican is in a different situation from other countries, and therefore the analysis will be different. But, the Cardinal said, “I believe the request will not be for economic participation.”

President Trump Congratulates New Pope

In a message posted yesterday on Truth Social and X, President Trump congratulated newly elected Pope Leo XIV, saying:

Congratulations to Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who was just named Pope. It is such an honor to realize that he is the first American Pope. What excitement, and what a Great Honor for our Country. I look forward to meeting Pope Leo XIV. It will be a very meaningful moment!