Nigerian pastor and televangelist Chris Oyakhilome has condemned the stance of Pope Leo XIV on the Iran war.

The Pope delivered a Palm Sunday homily in St. Peter’s Square, in which he described Christ as the “King of Peace” and said that God does not hear the prayers of leaders who wage war.

He reflected on Jesus’ revelation of himself as the King of Peace, even as violence loomed around Him.

“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,” said the Pope. “He offers Himself to embrace humanity, even as others raise swords and clubs.”

However, speaking live at the Global and Prayer programme at Christ Embassy, Oyakhilome challenged the Pope’s assertion.

He called the pontiff’s statement a misinterpretation of Scripture.

The clergyman argued that the Bible makes clear that God sometimes commands his people into battle, and that starting a war is not inherently wrong, the purpose and divine mandate behind it are what matter.

“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 pastor cited biblical examples, including God’s command to the Children of Israel to take the Promised Land, noting that these were divinely sanctioned wars meant to fulfil God’s purposes.