Pope Condemns War in Palm Sunday Sermon

Pope Leo XIV delivered a strong condemnation of war during his Palm Sunday sermon at St. Peter’s Square, stating that God rejects prayers from leaders who wage conflict and have 'hands full of blood.' The remarks were seen by many as an indirect rebuke to the Trump administration amid rising tensions in the Middle East.

The pontiff addressed tens of thousands of worshippers on Sunday, calling the ongoing conflicts between Iran, Israel, and the U.S., as well as Russia's war in Ukraine 'atrocious.' He emphasized that Jesus cannot be used to justify war. Leo quoted a Bible passage: “‘Even though you make many prayers, I will not listen: your hands are full of blood.’”

The pope’s comments follow Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s controversial prayer for violence against enemies at a Christian service in Washington earlier this week. According to NPR, Hegseth invoked his Christian faith to justify military action, saying the U.S. should unleash 'overwhelming violence of action' on those who deserve no mercy.

The pontiff described Jesus Christ as the 'king of peace' who 'offers himself to embrace humanity, even as others raise swords and clubs.' He further emphasized that God does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war but rejects them. The Trump administration and its followers have been criticized for gravitating toward Christian nationalism and evangelism, with officials like Hegseth describing U.S. involvement in the war with Iran as a Christian country using its military might to eliminate its mostly Muslim enemies.

The pope also highlighted that Christians in conflict zones may not be able to celebrate Easter due to ongoing hostilities and called for a ceasefire and an end to airstrikes. He referenced Jesus’s rejection of violence, noting that he did not fight or defend himself but instead allowed himself to be crucified.

Meanwhile, Israeli police prevented Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem for Palm Sunday mass. The Latin Patriarchate called the decision 'a manifestly unreasonable and grossly disproportionate measure.' According to PBS, this was the first time in centuries that Catholic leaders were prevented from celebrating a private Mass at the church on Palm Sunday.

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre has been hosting limited, closed-door masses since the Iran war began on February 28. The Latin Patriarchate requested permission for a few religious leaders to enter the church for a private celebration but was denied. Israeli police cited safety concerns and lack of access for emergency vehicles in narrow alleys as reasons for their decision.

The incident sparked international criticism, including from U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee, who called it 'an unfortunate overreach,' and French President Emmanuel Macron, who condemned the restrictions on worship. Italian authorities also expressed outrage, with Premier Giorgia Meloni stating that the action constituted an offense against religious freedom.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the decision, saying there was no 'malicious intent' and that Israel would try to partially open the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in the coming days. The Western Wall, Judaism's holiest prayer site, is also mostly closed due to safety issues but allows up to 50 people at a time in an enclosed area.

Pope Leo XIV said that during Holy Week, Christians cannot forget how many people around the world are suffering as Christ did. 'Their trials appeal to the conscience of all. Let us raise our prayers to the Prince of Peace so that he may support people wounded by war and open concrete paths of reconciliation and peace,' Leo said.

For many people at the Vatican, the start of Holy Week this year brings back memories of the final suffering days of Pope Francis, who died on Easter Monday. When Holy Week opened last year, Francis was still recovering at the Vatican after a five-week hospital stay for double pneumonia. He had delegated the liturgical celebrations to others but rallied on Easter Sunday to greet the faithful from the loggia of St. Peter’s Square.

Pope Leo is due to preside over this week’s liturgical appointments and is returning to tradition with the Holy Thursday foot-washing ceremony that commemorates Jesus’ Last Supper with his disciples. During his 12-year pontificate, Francis famously celebrated the Holy Thursday ritual by traveling to Rome-area prisons and refugee centers to wash the feet of people most on society’s margins.