Vatican Pope Palm Sunday

Pope Leo XIV presides over Mass in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican on the Catholic feast of Palm Sunday, commemorating Jesus' arrival in Jerusalem, Sunday, March 29, 2026.

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Pope Leo XIV rejects claims that God justifies war in Palm Sunday Mass message

Pope Leo XIV rejects claims that God justifies war in Palm Sunday Mass message

Pope Leo XIV says no one can use God to justify war and he's praying especially for Christians in the Middle East. He used his Palm Sunday homily to call Jesus the “king of peace” who rejects violence. He says God does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has recently invoked his faith to cast the Iran war as a Christian nation trying to vanquish its foes with military might. Leo will also bring back the Holy Thursday foot-washing ritual in the Lateran basilica. He will then lead major Good Friday and Easter liturgies.