Palm Sunday, Pope Leo XIV: ‘God does not hear the prayers of those who wage war’
Palm Sunday, Pope Leo XIV: ‘God does not hear the prayers of those who wage war’
On Palm Sunday, Pope Leo XIV commenced Holy Week with a solemn prayer in St. Peter’s Square. A large crowd of worshippers filled the Vatican colonnades to witness the Pontiff’s Mass. Many attendees carried olive branches and palm fronds, seeking blessings during the ceremony.
‘Let us turn our gaze toward Jesus, who presents himself as the King of peace amid the preparations for conflict around us. He remains gentle in a world consumed by violence. He offers comfort to humanity while others wield weapons and clubs. He is the beacon of light in a world shrouded in darkness. He came to bring life as the plan for his death unfolds,’ the Pope proclaimed, drawing direct parallels to ongoing wars.
Leo XIV emphasized during the Mass that the divine image of peace is contrasted with human brutality. ‘Brothers and sisters, this is our God: Jesus, King of peace. A God who opposes war, whom no one can invoke to justify it. He does not respond to the prayers of those who wage war, declaring, “Even if you multiply your prayers, I will not listen: your hands are full of blood,”‘ he added.
As the Mass concluded, the Pope moved among the faithful, offering blessings and engaging with children. On his way back into the Vatican, a group of Spanish pilgrims called out, ‘See you soon in Spain!’ The Pope, set to visit Spain in early June, responded with a warm smile.
Appeal for Peace in the Middle East
Later, during the Angelus, Leo XIV renewed his call for peace in the Middle East. ‘Dear brothers and sisters, as we begin Holy Week, our prayers are especially close to Christians enduring the harsh realities of a brutal conflict, many of whom struggle to fully observe the sacred rites of these days,’ he said.
‘News has just arrived from Jerusalem that Israeli police detained Cardinal Pizzaballa and the Very Reverend Ieplo, halting their Mass at the Holy Sepulchre. Just as the Church reflects on the Lord’s Passion, we must not forget those who share in his suffering today. Their trials confront the conscience of all. Let us lift our voices to the Prince of peace, asking for strength to heal war-torn peoples and open paths to reconciliation,’ the Pope urged.
He also extended his prayers to seafarers affected by the war. ‘I commend to the Lord those who have perished at sea, especially those who lost their lives recently near Crete. Land, sky, and sea were made for life and for peace,’ he continued.
Easter Week Schedule
The week ahead will feature a series of liturgical events. On Thursday, April 2, the Chrism Mass will take place at 9:30 in St. Peter’s Basilica. That evening, at 17:30, the Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper will be held in the Basilica of St. John Lateran.
On Friday, April 3, the Passion of the Lord will be celebrated at 17:00 in St. Peter’s Basilica. At 21:15, a traditional Way of the Cross will occur at the Colosseum, followed by the Pope’s apostolic blessing. The Easter Vigil begins on Saturday, April 4, at 21:00 in St. Peter’s Square. The final event of the week is the Easter Mass on Sunday, April 5, at 10:15 in St. Peter’s, concluding with the Urbi et Orbi blessing at 12:00 noon.