On Palm Sunday, Pope Leo XIV told worshipers that God does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war, making a powerful call for peace during a Mass at the Vatican.Thousands of people gathered in St. Peter’s Square to attend a Mass marking the beginning of Holy Week, which precedes Easter.
Palm Sunday commemorates the entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem, when people greeted him with palm branches.The Pope said in his sermon that violence cannot be justified by faith. He described Jesus as the “King of Peace” and said that leaders who cause bloodshed cannot expect their prayers to be heard. He said, “God rejects the supplications of those whose hands are filled with blood,” pointing out that true faith must be reflected in actions, especially when those actions affect innocent people.
The Pope also expressed his concern about societies suffering due to wars and conflicts, especially in the Middle East. He said that many people are unable to celebrate Holy Week in the normal way due to violence in their areas.The Pope renewed his call for dialogue and peaceful solutions. He said that prayer alone is not enough if it is combined with harm. He had previously called for a ceasefire and urged world leaders to prioritize humanitarian needs over conflict.
Palm Sunday Mass marks the beginning of the most important week in the Christian calendar. It is followed by Good Friday, which remembers the crucifixion of Jesus, and Holy Saturday, which leads to Easter, which celebrates his resurrection.The Pope’s message this year focused on the responsibility of believers to choose peace and reject violence. He reminded the congregation that faith and war cannot coexist, and encouraged them to support those affected by the conflict.His remarks come amid ongoing global tensions and wars, reinforcing the church’s long-standing message that religion should promote peace rather than justify violence.