Pope Leo XIV Condemns War and Misuse of Religion in Powerful Palm Sunday Message

VATICAN CITY, March 2026 — Marking the beginning of Holy Week, Pope Leo XIV delivered a strong and unequivocal message against war and the misuse of religion to justify violence, declaring that God “does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war.” Speaking during Palm Sunday Mass in St. Peter’s Square, the pope urged the faithful to reflect on Christ as the “King of Peace” and to reject all forms of violence carried out in the name of faith.

The Palm Sunday liturgy, attended by thousands of pilgrims, began with the traditional procession of cardinals, bishops, priests, and laypeople carrying palm and olive branches. The ceremony commemorates Jesus Christ’s entry into Jerusalem and signals the beginning of his Passion. Against this backdrop, Pope Leo XIV drew a sharp contrast between Christ’s message of peace and the violence that continues to affect many parts of the world today.

Christ as the King of Peace

In his homily, the pope emphasized that Jesus revealed himself not as a conqueror, but as a humble king who rejected violence even in the face of suffering. Referring to Christ’s entry into Jerusalem on a donkey rather than a war horse, he said this fulfilled the prophecy of a ruler who would “command peace to the nations.”

“We turn our gaze to Jesus, who reveals himself as King of Peace, even as war looms around him,” Pope Leo said. “He remains steadfast in meekness, while others are stirring up violence.”

The pope highlighted that Christ neither defended himself nor resorted to force, choosing instead to embody compassion and sacrifice. “He did not arm himself, or defend himself, or fight any war,” Leo said. “Rather than saving himself, he allowed himself to be nailed to the cross, embracing every cross borne throughout human history.”

A Strong Rejection of Violence in God’s Name

One of the most striking moments of the homily came when Pope Leo XIV directly addressed the misuse of religion to justify war. He firmly rejected any attempt to invoke God in support of violence.

“This is our God: Jesus, King of Peace, who rejects war, whom no one can use to justify war,” he declared. “He does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war… your hands are full of blood.”

The statement underscored a central theme of his message: that faith must never be distorted to legitimize violence or conflict. By invoking scripture, the pope reinforced the moral responsibility of believers to pursue peace and reject aggression.

A World Reflected in Christ’s Suffering

Drawing a connection between Christ’s Passion and present-day suffering, Pope Leo XIV said that the crucifixion remains a powerful symbol of humanity’s pain. He urged the faithful to see in Christ’s wounds the struggles of those affected by war and oppression.

“In his wounds, we see the hurts of so many women and men today,” he said. “Above all, we hear the painful groans of all those who are oppressed by violence and are victims of war.”

He described the crucified Christ as a reflection of a “crucified humanity,” calling attention to the millions who continue to suffer due to conflict, displacement, and injustice across the globe.

A Call to Lay Down Arms

Continuing his message, the pope recalled Christ’s words to his disciple Peter, who had drawn a sword in defense of him. “Put your sword back into its place, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword,” he said.

Through this teaching, Pope Leo XIV urged leaders and individuals alike to abandon violence and embrace reconciliation. “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!” he proclaimed.

Prayers for the Middle East and War Victims

Following the Mass, the pope returned to the theme of war during the Angelus prayer, offering special prayers for Christians in the Middle East who are unable to fully observe Holy Week due to ongoing conflicts.

“At the beginning of Holy Week, our prayers are more than ever with the Christians of the Middle East,” he said, noting that many are enduring hardship and restrictions that prevent them from participating in religious observances.

He added that the suffering of these communities should stir the conscience of the world. “We cannot forget those who today are truly sharing in his suffering. Their ordeal challenges all our consciences,” he said.

Remembering Victims Across Land and Sea

Pope Leo XIV also remembered maritime workers and others affected by conflict, praying for those who have lost their lives and for their families. “Land, sky and sea were all created for life and peace,” he said, emphasizing the universal call for harmony.

He further drew attention to migrants who have perished while attempting dangerous sea crossings, particularly those who recently died off the coast of Crete. “Let us also pray for all the migrants who have died at sea,” he urged, highlighting the humanitarian dimension of global crises.

Entrusting Peace to the Virgin Mary

As his homily drew to a close, the pope entrusted his plea for peace to the intercession of the Virgin Mary. Quoting Bishop Tonino Bello, he prayed that “the tears of all the victims of violence and pain will soon be dried up.”

He concluded by asking Mary to guide the faithful through the solemn days of Holy Week. “May she accompany us during these holy days, so that we may follow Jesus, our Savior, with faith and love,” he said.

Pope Leo XIV’s Palm Sunday message set a deeply reflective tone for Holy Week, combining spiritual insight with a clear moral stance against war and violence. His call to reject the misuse of religion and to embrace peace resonated as both a religious appeal and a global message, urging humanity to rediscover compassion, unity, and hope in a divided world.