Pope: 'Jesus does not listen to prayers of those who wage war'

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Source: Vatican Media

Pope Leo XIV celebrated Mass for the faithful gathered in St Peter's Square on Palm Sunday.

During his homily he reflected on Jesus as the King of Peace who rejects war and refuses to listen to the prayers of those who wage war. At the end of the Mass before the Angelus, Pope Leo read a heartfelt appeal for peace and called for prayers for all the victims of war.

In his homily, Pope Leo said that as Jesus walked the Way of the Cross, we walk with Him and contemplate His passion which He bore for the sake of humanity as a gift of love.

"He remains steadfast in meekness, while others are stirring up violence," said the Pope. "He offers Himself to embrace humanity, even as others raise swords and clubs."

Jesus came to bring life and light to the world, even as darkness and death was about to engulf Him.

Pope Leo pointed out that Jesus desired to bring the world to the Father's arms and to tear down every barrier that keeps us from God and our neighbour.

Repeating the title: "King of Peace" several times, the Pope highlighted Jesus' actions in His Passion that bear witness to His desire to bring peace.

When one of His disciples struck the high priest's servant and cut of his ear, Jesus commanded the disciple to put away his sword, recalling that those who live by the sword die by the sword.

As He was crucified and put to death, Jesus did not arm or defend Himself but allowed Himself to be led like a lamb to the slaughter.

"He revealed the gentle face of God, who always rejects violence," he said. "Rather than saving Himself, He allowed Himself to be nailed to the cross, embracing every cross borne in every time and place throughout human history.

Pope Leo went on to recall the prophet Isaiah's words: "Even though you make many prayers, I will not listen: your hands are full of blood" (Is 1:15).

"Jesus is the King of Peace, who rejects war, whom no one can use to justify war," said the Pope. "He does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war, but rejects them."

He lamented the many wounds of the human family in our world today, as people cry out to God with the "painful groans of all those who are oppressed by violence and are victims of war."

"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!" said the Pope.

Pope Leo ended his homily by highlighting the words of Servant of God Bishop Tonino Bello, reflecting on the Blessed Virgin Mary who stood at the foot of her Son's cross.

"Holy Mary, woman of the third day, grant us the certainty that, in spite of all, death will no longer hold sway over us; that the injustices of peoples are numbered; that the flashes of war are fading into the twilight; that the sufferings of the poor are breathing their last," he said. "And grant, finally, that the tears of all the victims of violence and pain will soon be dried up like frost beneath the spring sun."

At the end of the Mass before the Angelus, Pope Leo read the following message:

Dear brothers and sisters,

At the beginning of Holy Week, we are more than ever close in prayer to the Christians of the Middle East, who are suffering the consequences of an atrocious conflict and, in many cases, are unable to fully experience the Rites of these holy days. Even as the Church contemplates the mystery of the Lord's Passion, we cannot forget those who today truly participate in his suffering. Their trials challenge the consciences of all. We raise our prayer to the Prince of Peace, so that he may support the peoples wounded by war and open concrete paths of reconciliation and peace.

I also wish to entrust to the Lord the seafarers who are victims of war: I pray for the deceased, the wounded, and their families. Earth, sky, and sea are created for life and peace!

And we pray for all the migrants who have died at sea, especially those who have lost their lives in recent days off the island of Crete.

I greet and thank all of you, Romans and pilgrims who have participated in this celebration ! Together, we now turn to the Virgin Mary, entrusting all our prayers to her intercession. Let us allow ourselves to be guided by her in these holy days, to follow Jesus, our Savior, with faith and love.

LINKS

Read the full homily text: www.vatican.va/content/leo-xiv/en/homilies/2026/documents/20260329-palme.html

Watcha recording of the Mass on Vatican Youtube: www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2026-03/pope-leo-xiv-celebrates-palm-sunday-mass-rome.html