Image source: AP News

Pope Leo XIV: God does not justify war, he said at Palm Sunday Mass

At the Palm Sunday Mass, Pope Leo XIV stated that God rejects war and does not listen to those who justify it. He prayed for Christians in the Middle East and reinstated the washing of feet.

The Palm Sunday celebrated on March 29, 2026 gathered worshippers in St. Peter's Square, where Pope Leo XIV stated that God does not hear the prayers of those who justify war with faith.

During the opening of Holy Week, Leo XIV prayed especially for Christians in the Middle East affected by conflicts and asked for concrete paths of reconciliation and peace.

The report said that the Church of the Holy Sepulchre was closed for security reasons in Jerusalem, and that the Patriarchate of Jerusalem denounced the impossibility of celebrating private Mass there for the first time in centuries.

The text also highlighted that, after the death of Francis, Leo XIV resumes liturgical traditions of Holy Week, such as the Washing of the Feet (ceremony of foot washing) moved to the Basilica of St. John Lateran, and will pronounce the blessing from the Papal Loggia during the Vigil and Easter as part of his Pontificate.

What position do you feel closer to?

Pacifist Catholics

This gesture by Pope Leo XIV reinforces a clear evangelical witness: no war pleases God and the Church must stand with the victims and humble service.

Critical geopolitical realists

The pope's pacifist message is morally inspiring, but by absolutizing the rejection of war it risks delegitimizing defense of vulnerable populations and simplifying extremely complex conflicts, especially in the Middle East.

✝️

🌍

Whether you already have a strong opinion or still don't know what to think, take the quiz and see where you really stand.

Analyze sources and fact-check

Search across multiple sources and cross-check the facts

Does anything look off?

Explore every side of the debate. Form opinions you can defend.

Product

Browser Extension Shield Research Support

Company

Ale's Newsletter Carlo's Newsletter LinkedIn Privacy Policy Terms of Service

Made with care for a less polarized world.