📈 Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith Slams U.S.-Iran Conflict at Easter Vigil

Colombo Archbishop Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith delivered a defiant sermon during the midnight Easter Vigil at St. Lucia’s Cathedral, addressing the escalating Israeli-American war on Iran and its global economic and humanitarian fallout. • Key Criticisms: The Cardinal condemned the "greed" of global leadership, drawing a sharp historical parallel to Adolf Hitler’s failed ambitions. He specifically critiqued U.S. President Donald Trump, asserting that the administration's actions—"showering bombs"—contradict Christian values of loving one's neighbor. • Geopolitical Context: The sermon follows a reported two-week pause (agreed April 7) facilitated by Pakistan to allow for diplomatic talks. However, concerns remain that the "mentally unbalanced" rhetoric from Washington may torpedo the ceasefire. • Religious & Military Intersection: The Archbishop took aim at the "Secretary of War" Pete Hegseth for allegedly misquoting the Bible to justify "overwhelming violence." Hegseth has reportedly integrated monthly Christian prayer services at the Pentagon to invoke Biblical imagery for military victory. • Economic & Civil Silence: The report highlights a "shocking silence" from Sri Lankan civil society and business bodies like Am-Chambers and the Pathfinder Foundation, despite the disproportionate economic burden placed on every citizen due to this illegal war.