Pope Leo XIV took a firm stance against war during his sermon, repeatedly condemning violence and injustice.
Presiding over the Palm Sunday Mass at St Peter’s Square, he declared that God does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war.
“Jesus, King of Peace, who rejects war and whom no one can use to justify war. He does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war but rejects them,” he said.
In his homily, the Pope cited several biblical examples portraying Jesus as the King of Peace, even as conflict surrounded him and others plotted against him.
“He offers himself to embrace humanity, even as others raise swords and clubs,” the Pope said.
He also quoted another prophetic passage describing Jesus as one who would bring peace to nations.
“He will cut off the chariot from Ephraim and the war-horse from Jerusalem; and the battle bow shall be cut off, and he shall command peace to the nations,” he told the faithful.
Pope Leo said that the wounds from the crucifixion reflect the suffering of many people today, referencing Jesus’ final cry on the cross as an echo of the voices of those enduring pain and hardship.
“Above all, we hear the painful groans of all those who are oppressed by violence and are victims of war,” the Pope said, adding, “God is love! Have mercy! Lay down your weapons! Remember that you are brothers and sisters!”
During the mass, he recited a prayer by Tonino Bello titled Maria, donna dei nostri giorni (Mary, Woman of Our Day), a prayer that appeals for hope and certainty, expressing that injustices are numbered, the flames of war are fading, and the suffering of the poor is nearing its end.
Tens of thousands of Catholic faithful attended the Mass, which ushers in Holy Week and commemorates Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem.
The Pope’s address comes at a critical point in the 2026 Iran War, which escalated sharply following the late-February launch of Operation Epic Fury by U.S. and Israeli forces.
The conflict, centred on the destruction of Iranian nuclear and military infrastructure, has resulted in the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and triggered a massive retaliatory drone and missile campaign across the Middle East.
Currently, the Strait of Hormuz is closed, and global energy markets are in turmoil.
Just days before the Palm Sunday Mass, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth publicly called for “overwhelming violence of action” and divine favour for coalition forces.