Guwahati, March 30, 2026: At the Palm Sunday Mass in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Leo XIV gave a powerful message of peace, declaring that Jesus Christ “does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war,” and calling humanity to reject violence and rediscover its shared dignity.
Presiding over the Eucharistic celebration marking the beginning of Holy Week, the Pope reflected on Jesus as the “King of Peace,” who reveals God’s love even amid betrayal, suffering, and impending death.
“As Jesus walks the Way of the Cross, we follow behind Him, contemplating His passion offered as a gift of love for humanity,” the Pope said. “He remains steadfast in meekness, while others stir up violence.”
Drawing from the Gospel accounts, the Holy Father highlighted how Jesus rejected all forms of violence. When a disciple raised a sword in His defence, Jesus commanded him to put it away, reminding that “those who take the sword will perish by the sword.” Even in His suffering, Christ chose not to resist but to surrender Himself fully in love.
The Pope emphasised that Jesus cannot be used to justify war or violence. Quoting the prophet Isaiah, he warned: “Even though you make many prayers, I will not listen: your hands are full of blood.”
“Jesus is the King of Peace, who rejects war,” the Pope affirmed. “He does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war, but rejects them.”
Reflecting on the wounds of the contemporary world, Pope Leo XIV lamented the suffering of countless people affected by conflict, oppression, and injustice. In the crucified Christ, he said, we see “a crucified humanity,” where the pain of the poor, the sick, and victims of violence finds a voice.
From the Cross, the Pope said, Christ continues to cry out to the world: “God is love! Have mercy! Lay down your weapons! Remember that you are brothers and sisters!”
The Palm Sunday liturgy, which begins with the joyful remembrance of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem and leads into the solemn proclamation of His Passion, was presented as a call to conversion—inviting the faithful to move from celebration to deeper reflection.
Entrusting the world to the care of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Pope concluded with a prayer inspired by Servant of God Bishop Tonino Bello, expressing hope that war, injustice, and suffering may give way to peace and healing.
As the universal Church enters Holy Week, the Pope’s message stands as a strong appeal to conscience: to reject violence, embrace peace, and walk with Christ, the true King who reigns not through power, but through love.