Pope Leo XIV marked the Christian holiday of Palm Sunday by calling for an end to the violent chaos in the Middle East and condemning world leaders who have weaponized Christianity to justify war.
The pontiff described Jesus Christ as the “king of peace” who “offers himself to embrace humanity, even as others raise swords and clubs.”
“This is our God: Jesus, king of peace, who rejects war, whom no one can use to justify war,” Pope Leo said in St. Peter’s Square. “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 and its followers largely gravitate toward Christian nationalism and evangelism, with officials like Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth describing U.S. involvement in the war with Iran as a Christian country using its military might to eliminate its mostly Muslim enemies.
“Let every round find its mark against the enemies of righteousness and our great nation,” Hegseth said last week during his first monthly Christian worship service at the Pentagon since the Iran war began. “Give them wisdom in every decision, endurance for the trial ahead, unbreakable unity, and overwhelming violence of action against those who deserve no mercy.”
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Like his late predecessor, Pope Leo has gained a reputation for opposing violence and war, and has grown more vocal about this stance since the U.S. and Israel launched their war on Iran. Religion has also played a part in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, as well as Israel’s attacks on the 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.”
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Palm Sunday commemorates Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem and marks the start of the Christian holy week that leads to his crucifixion on Good Friday and resurrection on Easter Sunday. The pontiff said he was praying for the Christians in the Middle East, “who are suffering the consequences of a brutal conflict and, in many cases, are unable to observe fully the liturgies of these holy days.”
Israel faced backlash Sunday after police blocked the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, and the Custos of the Holy Land, Reverend Fr. Francesco Ielpo, from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre to conduct mass. The patriarchate said the rejection was the “first time in centuries” that church leaders were prevented from celebrating Palm Sunday at the church, which holds the tomb Christians believe Jesus rose from on Easter.
Israeli police claimed the leaders were denied because all holy sites in the city were closed for security reasons. However, following statements from Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee and Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel will try to reopen the church at least partially this week.
