By George Omagbemi Sylvester
Pope Leo XIV used his Palm Sunday homily to deliver one of his strongest anti-war messages yet, declaring that God rejects violence and does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war. Speaking before tens of thousands at St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City, the pontiff directly challenged the growing use of religion to justify bloodshed in today’s global conflicts.
The message was delivered on Sunday, March 29, 2026, as the U.S.-Israel war on Iran entered its fifth week and Russia’s ongoing campaign in Ukraine continued to devastate lives and deepen global instability.
In a striking moral rebuke, Pope Leo described Jesus as the “King of Peace” and insisted that no one should invoke God as cover for war, militarism, or vengeance.
This was not just a sermon; it was a direct spiritual indictment of modern warfare and political hypocrisy. At a time when leaders increasingly wrap violence in patriotic or religious language, the Pope’s message landed as a sharp reminder that faith without compassion becomes a dangerous weapon.
He also offered special prayers for Christians in the Middle East, many of whom now face conflict, displacement, and fear during one of the holiest periods of the Christian calendar.
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