Pope Leo XIV celebrates Palm Sunday Mass in the Vatican (@Vatican Media)
In his homily at the Mass for the faithful gathered in St Peter’s Square, 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 said.
“He remains steadfast in meekness while others are stirring up violence,” the Pope said. “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 were about to engulf Him.
Repeating “King of Peace” several times, the Pope highlighted Jesus’ actions in His Passion that bear witness to His desire to bring peace.
“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 the 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!” the Pope said.
Full article here.