Hegseth Says U.S. Troops Are Fighting for Jesus. The Pope Disagrees.
The New York Times • • nation
Key Points:
- U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth urged Americans to pray daily for a military victory in the Middle East "in the name of Jesus Christ," reflecting a call for spiritual support in the ongoing conflict.
- Pope Leo XIV, the first U.S.-born pontiff, opposed using Jesus’s name to justify war, emphasizing that Christianity should promote liberation and life, not domination and destruction.
- The pope has consistently called for an end to violence and a return to dialogue in the Middle East conflict, criticizing the distortion of Christian teachings for purposes of war without directly naming Hegseth.
- While avoiding direct confrontation with the U.S. government, Pope Leo has influenced U.S. policy indirectly, such as encouraging bishops to support immigrants amid heightened deportation efforts.
- Pope Leo recently spoke by phone with Israeli President Isaac Herzog, stressing the need for dialogue and a just, lasting peace in the Middle East, while expressing hope that U.S. efforts aim to reduce violence.
