Pope Leo XIV Rejects Claims that God Justifies War in Palm Sunday Mass Message
March 29, 2026
Rome — During a Palm Sunday Mass attended by tens of thousands in St. Peter's Square, Pope Leo XIV prominently denounced the notion that God sanctions war, offering special prayers for Christians enduring hardships in the Middle East.
As the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran approaches its second month amid Russia's continued actions in Ukraine, Leo dedicated his homily to the message that God embodies peace, rejecting violence and bringing solace to 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 emphatically. "He does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war, but rejects them."
Leaders involved in the Iran conflict have frequently turned to religion to validate their military actions. U.S. officials, particularly Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, have framed the conflict as an endeavor of a Christian nation striving to defeat its adversaries through military strength.
Similarly, the Russian Orthodox Church has portrayed the invasion of Ukraine as a "holy war" against a Western world it perceives as morally corrupt.
Palm Sunday commemorates Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem shortly before his crucifixion—a pivotal moment for Christians observed on Good Friday, followed by the celebration of the resurrection on Easter Sunday.
In a heartfelt blessing at the Mass's conclusion, Leo expressed his prayers for Middle Eastern Christians enduring the repercussions of ongoing conflicts, noting that many are unable to fully observe the rites of the holy days.
Earlier that day, the Latin Patriarchate reported that police in Jerusalem obstructed the Catholic Church's highest leadership from accessing the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. This marked a historic first in centuries where church leaders were denied participation in the Palm Sunday observance at the site believed to be the location of Jesus' crucifixion, according to the Patriarchate.
Leo underscored that during Holy Week, Christians must remain aware of the global suffering that mirrors Christ's own trials. "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 urged.
At the outset of last year's Holy Week, Pope Francis was still recuperating in the Vatican following a five-week hospitalization due to double pneumonia. During that time, he delegated liturgical responsibilities to others but made a notable return on Easter Sunday to address the faithful from the loggia of St. Peter's Square. Most memorably, he completed what turned out to be his final popemobile tour around the piazza before his passing.
Pope Leo XIV is set to oversee the week’s liturgical events, reinstating the traditional foot-washing ceremony on Holy Thursday, a commemoration of Jesus’ Last Supper with his disciples. This marks a departure from Pope Francis’ practice of washing the feet of marginalized individuals from Rome-area prisons.
As the first U.S.-born pope in history, Leo will bring the Holy Thursday foot-washing tradition back to the basilica of St. John Lateran. While participation details remain undisclosed, it’s customary for popes to wash the feet of twelve priests.
On Good Friday, Leo will lead the procession at Rome's Colosseum, honoring Christ’s Passion and crucifixion. The Holy Week celebrations will conclude with the Easter Vigil on Saturday, during which Leo will baptize new Catholics, followed by Easter Sunday Mass in St. Peter's Square and an Easter blessing.
Share this story