Pope Leo XIV spoke out against violence and war during his homily on Palm Sunday Mass in St. Peter’s Square. He issued a strong condemnation of war and rebuked those who used religion as a rationalization for military conflict.
The pope’s words during his Sunday homily denounced violence and said that God “does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war.” He cited the “meekness” of Jesus Christ as an inspiration for world leaders and referenced Christ’s suffering as a parallel to those caught in the crosshairs of war and violence in Europe and the Middle East.
“We turn our gaze to Jesus, who reveals himself as King of Peace, even as war looms abounds him,” said Pope Leo. “He remains steadfast in meekness, while others are stirring up violence.”
The pope said violence, particularly war, should be rejected at all times and that Jesus’s life, and his last days before his crucifixion, should serve as reminders that peace, not violence, is the answer.
“He did not arm himself, or defend himself, or fight any war,” said the pope. “He revealed the gentle face of God, who always rejects violence. Rather than saving himself, he allowed himself to be nailed to the cross, embracing every cross borne in every time and place throughout human history.”
Leo then admonished anyone who sought to use religion as a justification for war, emphasizing that God does not listen to prayers from such people.
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“Brothers and sisters, this is our God: Jesus, King of Peace, who rejects war, whom no one can use to justify war,” said Pope Leo. “He does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war, but rejects them, saying: ‘Even though you make many prayers, I will not listen: your hands are full of blood.’”
Leo continued the story of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem, the historical event for which Palm Sunday is celebrated. He highlighted that he entered the holy city on a donkey, not a “war horse.” He also mentioned the Gospel account of when Peter drew his sword in an attempt to protect Jesus from violent attacks, after which Jesus instructed him to sheathe his weapon.
“Put your sword back into its place, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword,” Leo said in his narration.