Pope Leo Denounces Use of God to Justify War During Palm Sunday Mass
Pope Leo XIV has strongly rejected claims that God justifies war, delivering a powerful message during the Palm Sunday Mass at the Vatican. As the US-Israeli conflict with Iran enters its second month and Russia continues its campaign in Ukraine, the Pope addressed tens of thousands of faithful in St. Peter's Square, insisting that God is the king of peace.
The Pope stated, "Brothers and sisters, this is our God: Jesus, king of peace, who rejects war, whom no-one can use to justify war. He does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war, but rejects them." This declaration comes at a time when religion has been invoked by leaders on various sides of the Iran war to legitimize military actions.
Religious Justifications in Global Conflicts
In related developments, Russia's Orthodox Church has described the invasion of Ukraine as a "holy war" against a Western world it views as having fallen into evil. This highlights a broader trend where religious rhetoric is employed to support geopolitical agendas, contrasting sharply with Pope Leo's call for peace.
The Palm Sunday celebration commenced with a traditional procession featuring cardinals, bishops, priests, and laypeople entering the square while carrying olive branches and palm fronds, some intricately braided. Pope Leo delivered an opening prayer at the central obelisk before proceeding to the altar to begin the Mass.
Return to Tradition in Holy Week Ceremonies
Pope Leo, the first US-born Pope, is set to revive traditional practices during Holy Week. He will return the Holy Thursday feet-wash ceremony to the Basilica of St. John Lateran, where it was performed for decades. This marks a shift from his predecessor, Pope Francis, who famously held the ritual in Rome-area prisons and refugee centers to serve marginalized individuals during his 12-year pontificate.
Additionally, Pope Leo will preside over the Good Friday procession at Rome's Colosseum, commemorating Christ's Passion and crucifixion. He will then baptize new Catholics during the late-night Easter Vigil on Saturday, followed by the Easter Sunday Mass in St. Peter's Square, where he will deliver his Easter blessing from the basilica's loggia.
These events underscore the Pope's commitment to blending traditional Catholic rituals with contemporary messages of peace, as global tensions persist. His emphasis on rejecting war in the name of religion resonates amid ongoing conflicts, reinforcing the Vatican's stance on non-violence and spiritual unity.
