Bending the Arc references a quote by Rev. Dr. King who said, “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” This digital newsletter from the CSA Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation office showcases the work of changemakers, opportunities to learn, and opportunities for you to help “bend the arc” toward justice. Full contents of the newsletter are published on this page.
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“God Rejects Prayers of Leaders Who Wage Wars”
March 30, 2026
This was the message of Pope Leo on Palm Sunday. According to a Reuters article on March 29, Pope Leo said, “God rejects the prayers of leaders who start wars and have ‘hands full of blood’”, in unusually forceful remarks as the Iran war entered its second month in which US officials are using Christian terms to justify strikes on Iran. Read the full article here.
Pope Leo has repeatedly called for an end to the war with Iran, including as recently as Tuesday, March 31, when he asked that President Trump look for an “off ramp.”
Again on Easter Sunday, in his first Easter Mass, Pope Leo called for global leaders to choose peace. "On this day of celebration, let us abandon every desire for conflict, domination and power, and implore the Lord to grant his peace to a world ravaged by wars," he said.
The Congregation of Sisters of St. Agnes (CSA) unequivocally stands against the violence of war. CSA Sisters are:
- women committed to being peacemakers.
- women who believe, as citizens of a democracy, that it is our responsibility to add our voice to the public discourse.
- women who believe we are called to treat all people with value and dignity.
- women who pray for our country, our leaders and for all the victims of terrorism and their families.
- women who pray for our enemies and seek deeper understanding of the struggles that generate enmity.
- women who believe the United States needs to assess those foreign, economic and ecological policies that continue to widen the gap between the wealthy and the poor.
- women who believe our nation spends too much on making war possible and far too little on creating and empowering just societies in the world.
- women who strive to hear the cry of the poor and respond globally, nationally and locally with our presence and our resources.
- women who are committed to the social justice teachings of the Catholic Church and engage in legislative advocacy to promote the common good.
- women who embrace diversity of race, gender, religion, culture and work to eliminate prejudice and discrimination, both locally and globally.
- women who join with people of goodwill to pray for peace and to become peacemakers.
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Peace & Nonviolence