Snippet of the Homily delivered by His Holiness Pope Leo XIV during the Mass on Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome last 29 March 2026
While He was burdened with our sufferings and pierced for our sins, Jesus did not open his mouth. Like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep, but before its shearer, is silent.
Jesus did not arm Himself, defend Himself, or fight any war. He revealed the gentle face of God, who always rejects violence.
Rather than saving Himself, He allowed Himself to be nailed to the cross, embracing every cross, born in every time and place throughout human history.
Brothers and sisters, this is our God, Jesus, king of peace, who rejects war, whom no one can use to justify war. He does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war, but rejects them, saying, “Even though you make many prayers, I will not listen. Your hands are full of blood.”
As we set our gaze upon him who was crucified for us, we can see a crucified humanity. In his wounds, we see the hurts of so many women and men today. In his last cry to the Father, we hear the weeping of those who are crushed, who have no hope, who are sick, and who are alone. Above all, we hear the painful groans of all those who are oppressed by violence and are victims of war.
Christ, King of Peace, cries out again from the cross, “God is love. Have mercy. Lay down your weapons. Remember that you are brothers and sisters.”