Pope Leo XIV sharply condemned the use of religion to justify war and violence on Palm Sunday, saying during Mass in St. Peter’s Square that God “does not hear the prayers of those who wage war.”
At the start of Holy Week, the Pope linked the Church’s contemplation of Christ’s Passion to the suffering of people caught in today’s conflicts, especially Christians in the Middle East.
in their palm sunday religious songLeo repeatedly presents Christ as the “King of Peace”, comparing the humility of Jesus to the violence surrounding him as he entered his passion.
“We fix our gaze on Jesus, who reveals himself as King of Peace, even as war looms over him,” the Pope said. “He stands firm in humility, while others are inciting violence.”
Leo said that Christ “did not arm himself, or defend himself, or fight any war” but rather “revealed the gentle face of God, who always rejects violence.”
“Instead of saving himself, he allowed himself to be crucified, embracing every cross that has been borne in every time and place throughout human history,” the Pope said.
The Pope then issued one of the strongest lines of his sermon, rejecting any attempt to invoke God in support of armed conflict.
“Brothers and sisters, this is our God: Jesus, the King of peace, who rejects war, who no one can use to justify war,” Leo said. “He does not listen to the prayers of those who fight, but rejects them, saying, “You may pray a lot, yet I will not listen; your hands are full of blood.”
The Palm Sunday religious observance, which marked the beginning of Holy Week, began with a traditional procession in St. Peter’s Square accompanied by cardinals, bishops, priests, religious and thousands of faithful carrying palms and olive branches.
In his sermon, Leo reflected on Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem riding on a donkey rather than a war horse, saying that this moment fulfilled the prophecy of a king who would “command peace to the nations.”
Recalling the gospel account of Peter drawing his sword to protect Jesus, Leo quoted Christ’s rebuke: “Put your sword back into its place, for whoever takes up the sword will perish by the sword.”
The Pope said that in the crucified Jesus Christ “we can see crucified humanity.”
“In their wounds, we see the suffering of many women and men today,” he said. “Above all, we hear the painful groans of all those who suffer violence and are victims of war.”
“Christ, King of Peace, cries out again from his Cross: God is love! Have mercy! Lay down your weapons! Remember that you are brothers and sisters!”
After the Mass, Leo returned to the topic of war. angel prayerPraying especially for Christians in the Middle East, who in some places are prevented from fully participating in Holy Week rituals.
“At the beginning of Holy Week, our prayers, more than ever, are with the Christians of the Middle East, who are suffering the consequences of brutal conflict and, in many cases, are unable to fully observe the liturgy of these holy days,” he said.
“As the Church contemplates the mystery of the Lord’s Passion, we cannot forget those who today truly share in His suffering. Their ordeal challenges all our consciences.”
The Pope said: “Let us pray to the Prince of Peace to comfort those wounded by war and to open concrete paths to reconciliation and peace.”
Leo also “remembered those maritime workers who have fallen victim to the conflict,” adding: “I pray for the dead, the wounded, and their families. The land, the sky and the sea were all created for life and peace!”
He further drew attention to migrants dying in the Mediterranean Sea, saying: “Let us also pray for all those migrants who have died at sea, especially those who have lost their lives off the coast of Crete in recent days.”
At the end of his sermon, the Pope attributed his appeal for peace to the intercession of Mary, quoting Servant of God Bishop Tonino Bello and praying that “the tears of all the victims of violence and pain will soon dry up.”
He concluded the Angelus by asking the Virgin Mary to be with the believers in the days to come.
“May He guide us during these holy days, so that we may follow our Savior Jesus with faith and love,” he said.
this story was first published In two parts By ACI Prensa, the Spanish-language news partner of EWTN News. It has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.
