“Brothers and sisters, this is our God: Jesus, King of Peace, who rejects war, whom no one can use to justify war.”

Pope Leo XIV made this statement in his Palm Sunday Homily at St. Peter’s Square on Sunday (March 29).

The pope said prayers of persons who wage war fall on deaf ears because Jesus Christ does not listen to them.

“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.’” the 70-year old pontiff said.

In his homily, the pope recalled Jesus’ revelation that he is the King of Peace notwithstanding the fact that violence was present during his time.

“He remains steadfast in meekness, while others are stirring up violence. He offers himself to embrace humanity, even as others raise swords and clubs,” he said in reflection.

Pope Leo recalled that when one of Jesus Christ’s disciples came to his aid by striking a high priest’s servant who suffered a wound on the ear, Jesus ordered his follower to put away his sword.

According to him, Jesus then stated to his disciple: “Put your sword back into its place, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword.”

“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 that before its shearers is silent,” noted the Catholic leader.

“Brothers and sisters, this is our God: Jesus, King of Peace who rejects war whom no one can use to justify war,” Pope Leo stated.

He said: “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 thos who are oppressed by violence and are victims of war.”