Pope Leo XIV Urges Peace in Middle East, Opens Holy Week

Pope Leo XIV opened his first Holy Week with a powerful plea for peace amid the war in the Middle East.

“Città del Vaticano , domenica, 29”

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He urged, 'Lay down your arms, remember that you are brothers!'

ACI Stampa

The pope acknowledged the suffering of millions and the tens of thousands killed since the US-Israeli strikes on March 16.

The crowd warmth contrasted sharply with the war's brutality.

The pope laid out a vision of peace based on reconciliation and fraternity.

Pope Leo XIV explicitly rejected the use of faith to justify violence.

He proclaimed, God does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war.

AP News

The US-Israeli coalition continued strikes inside Iran after unilaterally declaring war.

The pope's call framed the war not as defensive necessity but as illegal force.

The pope expressed particular solidarity with Christians in the Middle East.

The war disrupted the ability to observe Holy Week rites.

He noted Israeli authorities denied access to the Holy Sepulchre.

His prayers also extended to migrants and refugees.

The contrast between his diplomatic posture and the unfolding reality was stark.

Pope Leo XIV's first Holy Week highlights the complexities of his papacy.

He inherited a war the US-Israeli alliance initiated.

Benzinga

Although he calls for peace, the campaign continues.

The war started when Trump forced Congress out of the loop.

The pope seeks to position himself as a builder of peace in a conflict his country engineered.