Pope Leo XIV rejects claims that God justifies war in Palm Sunday Mass message : NPR

ROME — Pope Leo XIV denounced the notion that God supports war during a Palm Sunday Mass attended by tens of thousands in St. Peter’s Square. He offered prayers for Christians in the Middle East.

As the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran continues and Russia’s campaign in Ukraine persists, Leo used his Palm Sunday sermon to emphasize that God stands as the “king of peace,” opposing violence and standing with the oppressed.

“Brothers and sisters, this is our God: Jesus, King of Peace, who rejects war, whom no one can use to justify war,” Leo stated. “He does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war, but rejects them.”

Religious leaders involved in the Iran conflict have often cited faith to justify their actions. U.S. leaders, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, have framed the war as a Christian nation’s struggle against its adversaries. Similarly, Russia’s Orthodox Church has called the invasion of Ukraine a “holy war” against a perceived morally corrupt Western world.

Palm Sunday celebrates Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem before his crucifixion, observed by Christians on Good Friday, and his resurrection on Easter Sunday.

In a special blessing, Leo expressed prayers for Middle Eastern Christians enduring severe conflict, often preventing them from fully observing these holy days.

Earlier, the Latin Patriarchate reported that Jerusalem police blocked Catholic leaders from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, marking a historic first that prevented Palm Sunday celebrations at a site Christians believe to be where Jesus was crucified.

Leo reminded Christians that Holy Week is a time to acknowledge global suffering akin to Christ’s. “Their trials appeal to the conscience of all. Let us raise our prayers to the Prince of Peace so that he may support people wounded by war and open concrete paths of reconciliation and peace,” he said.

A Holy Week that recalls Pope Francis’ suffering

As Holy Week began last year, Pope Francis was recuperating at the Vatican after a lengthy hospital stay. Though he delegated many liturgical duties, he made a poignant appearance on Easter Sunday. He greeted the faithful and took one last ride in the popemobile around St. Peter’s Square.

Francis passed away the next day, following a stroke. His nurse, Massimiliano Strappetti, recalled Francis expressing gratitude for the opportunity to return to the square for a final farewell.

Leo is set to lead this week’s liturgical events, reinstating the Holy Thursday foot-washing ceremony, a commemoration of Jesus’ Last Supper.

During his 12-year papacy, Francis observed this ritual by visiting prisons and refugee centers, washing the feet of marginalized individuals. His actions highlighted the importance of service and humility, often wondering aloud, “Why them and not me?”

While praised for embodying the church’s mission to reach those in need, some critics were uneasy about including non-Christians in the ceremony.

Leo restores Holy Week foot-washing tradition

Leo, the first pope from the U.S., is bringing the Holy Thursday foot-washing back to St. John Lateran Basilica, where it was traditionally held. The Vatican has yet to announce participants, but previous popes typically washed the feet of 12 priests.

This Friday, Leo will lead the Good Friday procession at Rome’s Colosseum, commemorating Christ’s Passion and crucifixion. Saturday’s Easter Vigil will see Leo baptize new Catholics, followed by Easter Sunday celebrations of Jesus’ resurrection.

Leo will conduct the Easter Sunday Mass in St. Peter’s Square, delivering his Easter blessing from the basilica’s loggia.