You Got It Wrong!” — Oyakhilome Hits Back At Pope Over Iran War Comments

Nigerian pastor and televangelist Chris Oyakhilome has criticised the position of Pope Leo XIV regarding the ongoing Iran conflict.

The Pope, during his Palm Sunday homily at St. Peter’s Square, described Christ as the “King of Peace” and suggested that God does not hear the prayers of leaders who promote or engage in war.

In his message, he reflected on Jesus’ journey to the cross, emphasising humility and sacrifice in contrast to acts of violence.

However, speaking during a live programme at Christ Embassy, Oyakhilome disputed the Pope’s interpretation, describing it as a misreading of Scripture.

He argued that the Bible records instances where God instructed His people to go to war, stressing that conflict itself is not inherently wrong, but depends on whether it aligns with divine instruction and purpose.

Oyakhilome stated that Jesus represents the will of the Father and that understanding His actions reveals the nature of God.

He further referenced biblical accounts in which God directed the Israelites to battle, particularly in the conquest of the Promised Land, describing such wars as divinely sanctioned and purposeful.

According to him, the central issue is not the act of war itself, but whether it is carried out in accordance with God’s will, adding that, in his view, the Pope’s statement was incorrect on this matter.