Palm Sunday, Pope Leo XIV: ‘God does not hear the prayers of those who wage war’
Palm Sunday: Pope Leo XIV Calls for Peace Amid Conflict
On Palm Sunday, Pope Leo XIV began Holy Week with a solemn prayer in St Peter’s Square. Thousands of devotees gathered in the Vatican colonnades to attend the Mass led by the Holy Father. Many carried olive branches and palm fronds, seeking blessings during the ceremony.
A Message of Peace and Humanity
‘Let us turn our eyes to Jesus, who offers himself as the King of peace while war is being prepared all around us. He stands firm in meekness, while others are consumed by violence. He becomes a comfort for humanity, even as others raise weapons and clubs. He is the light of the world, while darkness looms to engulf the earth. He came to bring life, even as the plan to condemn him to death unfolds,’ the Pontiff proclaimed, clearly referencing ongoing global conflicts.
‘Brothers and sisters, this is our God: Jesus, the King of peace. A God who rejects war, who cannot be used to justify it, and who turns away from the prayers of those who wage it. He says, “Even if you multiply your prayers, I will not listen: your hands are stained with blood,”‘ Leo XIV added, emphasizing the moral weight of violence.
As the Mass concluded, the Pope moved among the faithful, offering blessings and greeting children. While returning to the Vatican, a group of Spanish pilgrims called out, “See you soon in Spain!” The Pope, who is scheduled to visit Spain in early June, responded with a warm smile.
Prayer for the Middle East and the Suffering
Later, during the Angelus, Pope Leo XIV reiterated his plea for peace in the Middle East. ‘Dear brothers and sisters, as we enter Holy Week, we are more closely united in prayer with Christians in the region, who endure the effects of a harsh conflict and, in many cases, face obstacles in celebrating these holy days,’ he said.
‘Precisely as the Church reflects on the mystery of the Lord’s Passion, we cannot forget those who live through his suffering in a tangible way today. Their trials call our consciences to account. Let us lift our voices to the Prince of peace, so he may heal those wounded by war and open paths for reconciliation,’ the Pope continued.
He also extended his thoughts to seafarers affected by the war. ‘I commend to the Lord those who have perished at sea. I pray for the deceased, the injured, and their families. Land, sky, and sea were created for life and for peace,’ Leo XIV said, adding a plea for migrants who died recently near Crete.
Upcoming Holy Week Events
The week ahead will see the Pope participating in several significant ceremonies. On Thursday, April 2, he will preside over the Chrism Mass at 9:30 in St Peter’s Basilica. That evening, the Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper will be held in the Basilica of St John Lateran at 17:30.
On Friday, April 3, the Pope will celebrate the Passion of the Lord at 17:00 in St Peter’s Basilica. The traditional Way of the Cross will follow at the Colosseum at 21:15, after which he will deliver the apostolic blessing.
On Saturday, April 4, the Easter Vigil will begin in St Peter’s at 21:00. The following day, April 5, the Easter Mass is scheduled at 10:15 in St Peter’s, followed by the Urbi et Orbi blessing at 12:00 noon.
