Pope Leo XIV commenced Holy Week observances on Sunday morning with a heartfelt prayer delivered in the iconic St. Peter’s Square. An immense congregation, numbering in the tens of thousands, filled the Vatican’s colonnades, eager to participate in the Mass led by His Holiness. Many attendees arrived bearing olive branches and palm fronds, symbols of peace and celebration, to be blessed during the sacred ceremony.
During his sermon, the Pontiff drew a stark contrast between the King of Peace, Jesus, and the prevailing atmosphere of conflict. “Let us look to Jesus, who presents himself as the King of peace while war is being prepared all around him,” Pope Leo XIV declared, his words a clear and poignant reference to the numerous conflicts currently plaguing the globe. He continued, “He who stands firm in meekness while others are caught up in violence. He who offers himself as a caress for humanity, while others brandish swords and clubs. He who is the light of the world while darkness is about to cover the earth. He who came to bring life while the plan to condemn him to death is being carried out.”
The Pope’s message resonated with a powerful plea for peace and a rejection of violence. “Brothers, sisters, this is our God: Jesus, King of peace,” he proclaimed. “A God who rejects war, whom no one can use to justify war, who does not listen to the prayer of those who wage war and rejects it, saying: ‘Even if you multiply your prayers, I will not listen: your hands are full of blood’.”
A Call for Compassion and Reconciliation
Standing on the steps of St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Leo XIV continued his profound reflection, urging the faithful to find solace and inspiration in Christ’s suffering. “Looking to him, who was crucified for us, we see the crucified of humanity,” he stated. “In his wounds we see the injuries of so many women and men today. In his final cry to the Father we hear the weeping of those who are crushed, who are without hope, who are ill, who are alone.” He added, with palpable emotion, “And above all we hear the groan of pain of all those who are oppressed by violence and of all the victims of war.”
His impassioned cry echoed through the square: “Christ, King of peace, still cries out from his cross: God is love! Have mercy! Lay down your arms, remember that you are brothers!”
Following the Mass, Pope Leo XIV moved amongst the faithful, bestowing blessings and engaging with children. As he returned to the Vatican, a group of Spanish pilgrims enthusiastically called out, “See you soon in Spain!” The Pope, who is slated to visit Spain in early June, responded with a warm smile and a greeting.
Prayer for Those Affected by Conflict
Later, during the Angelus prayer, Pope Leo XIV renewed his urgent appeal for peace, particularly focusing on the Middle East. “Dear brothers and sisters, at the beginning of Holy Week, we are more than ever close in prayer to the Christians of the Middle East, who are suffering the consequences of a brutal conflict and, in many cases, cannot fully live the rites of these holy days,” he implored. Tragically, as the Pope spoke, news emerged from Jerusalem that Cardinal Pizzaballa and the Very Reverend Ieplo had been detained by Israeli police, preventing them from celebrating Mass at the Holy Sepulchre.
“Precisely as the Church contemplates the mystery of the Lord’s Passion, we cannot forget all those who today share in his suffering in a very real way,” the Pontiff stated. “Their ordeal challenges the conscience of everyone. Let us raise our plea to the Prince of peace, that he may sustain peoples wounded by war and open concrete paths of reconciliation and peace.”
His message extended to those who work at sea. “I also wish to commend to the Lord the seafarers who have fallen victim to the war: I pray for the dead, for the wounded and for their families. Land, sky and sea were created for life and for peace!” Pope Leo XIV declared. He concluded his prayer with a thought for all migrants lost at sea, particularly those who tragically perished in recent days off the coast of Crete.
The Holy Week Liturgical Schedule
The week leading up to Easter is a significant period for the Church, marked by a series of important liturgical events presided over by the Pope.
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Thursday, April 2:
- 9:30 AM: Chrism Mass, celebrated in St. Peter’s Basilica.
- 5:30 PM: Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper, held in the Basilica of St. John Lateran.
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Friday, April 3:
- 5:00 PM: Celebration of the Passion of the Lord, in St. Peter’s Basilica.
- 9:15 PM: The traditional Way of the Cross, commencing at the Colosseum, with Pope Leo XIV imparting the apostolic blessing at its conclusion.
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Saturday, April 4:
- 9:00 PM: The Easter Vigil, beginning in St. Peter’s.
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Sunday, April 5:
- 10:15 AM: Easter Mass, scheduled in St. Peter’s.
- 12:00 PM: The Urbi et Orbi blessing, delivered to the city and the world.
