Pope Leo XIV at Mass on Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion reflected on Jesus as the King of Peace who rejects war and refuses to listen to the prayers of those who wage war.
On Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion, Pope Leo XIV celebrated Mass for the faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square.
In his homily, the Pope reflected on Jesus’ revelation of Himself as the King of Peace, even as violence loomed around Him.
As Jesus walked the Way of the Cross, we walk with Him and contemplate His passion which He bore for the sake of humanity as a gift of love.
“He remains steadfast in meekness, while others are stirring up violence,” said the Pope. “He offers Himself to embrace humanity, even as others raise swords and clubs.”
Jesus, he added, came to bring life and light to the world, even as darkness and death was about to engulf Him.
Pope Leo pointed out that Jesus desired to bring the world to the Father’s arms and to tear down every barrier that keeps us from God and our neighbor.
Repeating “King of Peace” several times, the Pope highlighted Jesus’ actions in His Passion that bear witness to His desire to bring peace.
When one of His disciples struck the high priest’s servant and cut of his ear, Jesus commanded the disciple to put away his sword, recalling that those who live by the sword die by the sword.
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As He was crucified and put to death, Jesus did not arm or defend Himself but allowed Himself
“He revealed the gentle face of God, who always rejects violence,” he said. “Rather than saving Himself, He allowed Himself to be nailed to the cross, embracing every cross borne in every time and place throughout human history.”
Pope Leo XIV went on to recall the prophet Isaiah’s words: “Even though you make many prayers, I will not listen: your hands are full of blood” (Is 1:15).
“Jesus is the King of Peace, who rejects war, whom no one can use to justify war,” said the Pope. “He does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war, but rejects them.”
He lamented the many wounds of the human family in our world today, as people cry out to God with the “painful groans of all those who are oppressed by violence and are victims of war.”
“Christ, King of Peace, cries out again from His cross: God is love! Have mercy! Lay down your weapons! Remember that you are brothers and sisters!” said the Pope.
In conclusion, Pope Leo highlighted the words of Servant of God Bishop Tonino Bello, reflecting on the Blessed Virgin Mary who stood at the foot of her Son’s cross.
“Holy Mary, woman of the third day, grant us the certainty that, in spite of all, death will no longer hold sway over us; that the injustices of peoples are numbered; that the flashes of war are fading into the twilight; that the sufferings of the poor are breathing their last,” he said. “And grant, finally, that the tears of all the victims of violence and pain will soon be dried up like frost beneath the spring sun.”
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