– Pastor Chris Oyakhilome Disagrees With Pope Leo XIV Over Prayer
Nigerian televangelist, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome publicly disagrees with Pope Leo XIV over recent remarks on prayer, sparking a theological debate.
concerning the role of prayer in times of war, sparking debate among Christian communities.
The controversy follows a Palm Sunday message in which Pope Leo XIV stated that God does not listen to the prayers of those who promote or engage in war.
The statement, delivered amid ongoing global conflicts, emphasized the Pope’s longstanding call for peace and the rejection of violence.
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Responding during a recent sermon, Oyakhilome challenged the Pope’s position, arguing that biblical accounts include instances where wars were divinely sanctioned.
“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.”
Oyakhilome’s remarks have drawn mixed reactions from religious observers. Supporters say his comments reflect a literal interpretation of scripture, particularly passages in the Old Testament that describe God directing battles.
Critics, however, argue that the Pope’s message aligns with modern Christian teachings that emphasize peace, reconciliation, and the sanctity of life.
