VATICAN CITY
During a powerful Palm Sunday service, Pope Leo XIV issued a stern warning to world leaders and combatants, declaring that God does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war. Speaking to a massive crowd of the faithful, the Pontiff used the start of Holy Week to deliver a passionate plea for global non-violence and humility.
Reflecting on the life of Jesus Christ, whom he called the “King of Peace,” the Pope noted that Christ chose sacrifice over aggression. He reminded believers that even when facing death, Jesus rejected the use of weapons, famously telling his disciples that those who live by the sword will perish by it. The Pope emphasized that Jesus entering Jerusalem on a donkey was a deliberate symbol of peace and a rejection of military might.
Quoting holy scripture, the Pope was blunt about the spiritual consequences of violence. He stated that even if those who spark conflicts offer many prayers, they will go unheard because their “hands are full of blood.” He described modern warfare and the resulting crucifixion of innocent people as a reflection of humanity’s deep pain and a departure from divine love.
The Pontiff concluded his address by calling for an immediate end to global injustices and conflicts. He urged all people to remember their shared humanity and to lay down their arms. As Holy Week begins, the Pope’s message serves as a solemn reminder that true faith requires mercy, not the destruction of one’s brothers and sisters.
