Pope Leo XIV delivered a strong message against war during Palm Sunday Mass at St. Peter’s Square, attended by tens of thousands. He stated God rejects the prayers of leaders who start wars and have “hands full of blood,” firmly rejecting the notion that God justifies conflict.
The Pontiff specifically prayed for Christians in the Middle East as the Iran war entered its second month, noting that leaders across all sides were using religion to justify their actions. He reiterated Jesus rejects violence.
During the Angelus, Pope Leo also remembered migrants who died at sea off Crete, adding to his calls for peace in the Middle East and an end to the ongoing war.