White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, seen here speaking to reporters on March 18, 2026, is one of several Trump administration officials who are very open about their faith

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, seen here speaking to reporters on March 18, 2026, is one of several Trump administration officials who are very open about their faith

 Brendan SMIALOWSKI

The White House on Monday defended praying for US troops engaged in the Iran war after Pope Leo XIV warned that God rejects the prayers "of those who wage war."

"I don't think there is anything wrong with our military leaders or with the president calling on the American people to pray for our servicemembers and those who are serving our country overseas," Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters in response to a question about the pontiff's comments.

Originally published on doc.afp.com, part of the BLOX Digital Content Exchange.

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