Pope’s Bold Palm Sunday Message to Global Warlords
Pope Leo XIV used the Christian holiday of Palm Sunday to address the ongoing violence in the Middle East, calling for an end to the chaos and condemning world leaders who use Christianity to justify war. The pontiff emphasized that Jesus Christ is the “king of peace” who offers himself to humanity despite the violence around him.
“In this way, our God—Jesus, king of peace—rejects war,” Pope Leo said during his address in St. Peter’s Square. “No one can use him to justify war. He does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war, but rejects them, saying: ‘Even though you make many prayers, I will not listen: your hands are full of blood.'”
The Trump administration has been closely associated with Christian nationalism and evangelism. Officials such as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth have framed U.S. involvement in the conflict with Iran as a Christian nation using its military power to eliminate its mostly Muslim adversaries.
“Let every round find its mark against the enemies of righteousness and our great nation,” Hegseth stated during a recent worship service at the Pentagon. “Give them wisdom in every decision, endurance for the trial ahead, unbreakable unity, and overwhelming violence of action against those who deserve no mercy.”
Pope Leo has become known for his opposition to violence and war, and his stance has grown more vocal since the U.S. and Israel launched their war on Iran. Religion has also played a role in other conflicts, including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and Israel’s attacks on Palestinian territories and Lebanon.
“As we set our gaze upon him who was crucified for us, we can see a crucified humanity,” the pontiff said. “In his wounds, we see the hurts of so many women and men today. In his last cry to the Father, we hear the weeping of those who are crushed, who have no hope, who are sick and who are alone. Above all, we hear the painful groans of all those who are oppressed by violence and are victims of war.”
Palm Sunday marks the beginning of the Christian holy week leading to Good Friday and Easter Sunday. During this time, the pontiff expressed concern for Christians in the Middle East, who are suffering from the consequences of conflict and often unable to fully observe the holy days.
Israel faced criticism after police prevented the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, and Reverend Fr. Francesco Ielpo from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre to conduct mass. The patriarchate described this as the “first time in centuries” that church leaders were denied access to the site, which is believed to be the tomb where Jesus rose from on Easter.
Israeli police claimed the leaders were denied entry due to security concerns. However, following statements from Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee and Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced plans to partially reopen the church this week.
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