[Anchor]
The U.S. secretary of defense overseeing operations related to Iran, Pete Heggses, has sparked controversy by framing the conflict in religious terms.
Pope Leo XIV criticized him, saying, "The prayers of those who wage war will be rejected."
Reporter Hyo-in Jang reports.
[Report]
On the 25th (local time), Defense Secretary Pete Heggses came under scrutiny for remarks made during a prayer at the Pentagon.
Officials say Heggses prayed that the U.S. would "inflict overwhelming violence on those not worthy of mercy" and added, "I ask this in the name of the great and mighty Jesus Christ."
He prayed that strikes on Iran would produce destructive effects "in the name of Jesus."
“Pete Heggses / U.S. Secretary of Defense (local time 10th)” May the Lord grant our warriors unbreakable strength and refuge, unbreakable protection for them and our country, and complete victory over those who would harm them. Amen.
Former senior military officials warned that such remarks could push service members to take extreme measures in pursuit of victory and could infringe on the Constitution's protections for religious freedom.
At a Palm Sunday Mass in St. Peter's Square just before Easter, Pope Leo XIV appeared to direct a rebuke at the defense secretary.
“Pope Leo XIV / (local time 29th)” Jesus rejected war, and no one can use him to justify war. He will not hear the prayers of those who wage war and will reject them.
Meanwhile, controversy erupted when Israeli authorities initially blocked a Mass at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem's Old City.
Officials cited security concerns, but after criticism — including Italy’s foreign minister summoning the Israeli ambassador — Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu allowed the Mass to proceed.
This is Hyo-in Jang for Yonhap News TV.
[Video editing: Jin-hee Park]
[Graphics: Hyun-gyu Choi]
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Hyo-in Jang (hijang@yna.co.kr)
