Pope rejects divine war justifications in Palm Sunday address

Pope Leo XIV denounces holy war claims amid Jerusalem tensions on Palm Sunday

Pope Leo XIV used his Palm Sunday Mass to reject claims that God justifies war. The service took place as tensions rose in Jerusalem, where police blocked Catholic leaders from entering the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Meanwhile, the Pope announced plans to revive a key Holy Week tradition at Rome's St. John Lateran basilica.

During his homily, Leo emphasised that God is the 'king of peace' and condemned violence in all forms. He also offered special prayers for Christians in the Middle East suffering from ongoing conflicts. His remarks came as religious leaders in multiple wars, including Russia's invasion of Ukraine, have framed their actions as divinely sanctioned.

Earlier that day, the Latin Patriarchate reported that Israeli police had barred Catholic clergy from the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Authorities cited security concerns for the denial, though no further details were provided. Palm Sunday itself commemorates Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, a moment traditionally marked by processions and worship. This week, the Pope will lead several key liturgical events, including the Holy Thursday foot-washing ceremony. The ritual, last held at St. John Lateran in 2016, will return to the basilica under Leo's direction. While previous popes, such as Francis, performed the rite in prisons and refugee centres, no official Vatican records track the total number of participants over the years.

The Pope's stance against religious justifications for war contrasts with positions taken by other faith leaders. His upcoming Holy Week services will now include a revived tradition at one of Rome's oldest churches. Meanwhile, access restrictions in Jerusalem highlight ongoing tensions around sacred sites.