On Sunday, March 29, 2026, during Palm Sunday celebrations in front of tens of thousands of faithful at St. Peter’s Square in Rome, Pope Leon XIV rejected claims that the creator justifies war.
Without naming them, the Pope addressed the actors of war. During his homily on Sunday, March 29, 2066, the Pontiff urged the faithful to reject violence. “Brothers and sisters, here is our God: Jesus, the King of Peace, who rejects war, which no one can use to justify,” declared Pope Leon XIV.
Quoting the biblical verse John 18 v 10, the pontiff explained that even in the face of temptation of force and violence, Christ refuses. “When one of his disciples drew his sword to defend him and struck the high priest’s servant, he stopped him and said, ‘Put your sword back in its place,’ Jesus said. ‘Those who use the sword will die by the sword’.”
Continuing, the first American Pope affirmed that God does not hear the prayers of those who choose war. “A God who rejects war, whom no one can invoke to justify war, who does not listen to the prayers of those who make war and rejects it by saying, ‘Even though you offer many prayers, I will not listen; your hands are covered with blood’.”
Known for his choice of words, Pope Leon XIV repeatedly called for an immediate ceasefire in the Middle East war involving Iran, the United States, Israel, and their allies.
Arnaud Houssou
