Pope Leo on Thursday decried political leaders who invoke religious beliefs to justify conflicts or nationalist policies, calling that a form of blasphemy, or a serious sin that disrespects or insults God.Leo, the first US pope, did not name specific leaders in the message released ahead of the Catholic Church’s World Day of Peace, celebrated on Jan. 1, but called on religious believers to resist any such uses of faith.“Unfortunately, it has become increasingly common to drag the language of faith into political battles, to bless nationalism, and to justify violence and armed struggle in the name of religion,” said the pope.For all the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.“Believers must actively refute, above all by the witness of their lives, these forms of blasphemy that profane the holy name of God,” he said.Leo also warned against the use of artificial intelligence in warfare in the four-page message, issued annually by the leader of the 1.4