Palm Sunday, Pope Leo XIV: ‘God does not hear the prayers of those who wage war’
Palm Sunday Mass and Message of Peace
On Palm Sunday, Pope Leo XIV initiated the Holy Week observances with a solemn prayer in St Peter’s Square. A large crowd of devotees gathered around the Vatican colonnades to witness the Pontiff’s Mass. Many attendees carried olive branches and palm fronds, symbolizing their devotion. During the ceremony, the Pope emphasized the contrast between Jesus, the King of Peace, and the conflicts unfolding globally. “We gaze upon Jesus, who embodies peace, while the world stirs with war,” he proclaimed, highlighting the tension between divine tranquility and earthly strife.
‘He who remains steadfast in gentleness amidst rising violence. He who offers solace to humanity, while others wield weapons. He who illuminates the world when shadows loom. He who arrived to bring life as death sentences are finalized,’ the Pope declared, invoking the present realities of war.
Leo XIV further remarked: “Our God, Jesus, the King of Peace, rejects conflict. He does not heed the prayers of those who incite war, declaring, ‘Even if your prayers multiply, I shall not listen: your hands are stained with blood.'” He continued, “Through his crucifixion, we see the suffering of countless individuals today. His final plea to the Father echoes the cries of the weary, the broken, and the lonely. We hear the anguish of all who endure violence and the sorrow of war’s victims.”
The Pontiff concluded with an urgent call for unity: “Christ, the King of Peace, still speaks from the cross: ‘God is love! Have mercy! Lay down your arms, remember you are brothers!'” Following the Mass, Leo XIV moved among the faithful, offering blessings and engaging with children. As he returned to the Vatican, Spanish pilgrims greeted him with, “See you soon in Spain!” The Pope, set to visit Spain in early June, responded with a warm smile.
Angelus and Calls for Reconciliation
Later, during the Angelus, the Pope reiterated his plea for peace in the Middle East. “Dear brothers and sisters, as Holy Week begins, we are especially close to the Christians there, who face the hardships of relentless conflict and struggle to uphold their sacred traditions.” News from Jerusalem revealed that Israeli police had detained Cardinal Pizzaballa and the Very Reverend Ieplo, halting their Mass at the Holy Sepulchre.
‘As the Church reflects on the Lord’s Passion, we must not forget those who bear his suffering today. Their plight calls our consciences to account. Let us turn to the Prince of Peace, that he may heal the wounds of war and pave the way for reconciliation,’ the Pope urged.
He also extended his prayers to seafarers lost in the war: “I offer prayers for the deceased, the injured, and their families.” Emphasizing unity, he stated, “Land, sky, and sea were made for life and peace. Let us also remember those who perished at sea, especially those who drowned recently near Crete.”
Easter Events Schedule
The upcoming Easter week will feature several Papal events. On April 2nd, the Pope will lead the Chrism Mass at 9:30 AM in St Peter’s Basilica. Later that day, the Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper will take place at the Basilica of St John Lateran at 5:30 PM.
April 3rd will see the Passion of the Lord celebrated at 5:00 PM in St Peter’s Basilica, followed by the traditional Way of the Cross at the Colosseum. The Pope will conclude with the apostolic blessing. On April 4th, the Easter Vigil begins at 9:00 PM in St Peter’s. The Easter Mass is scheduled for 10:15 AM on April 5th, followed by the Urbi et Orbi blessing at noon.
