On Palm Sunday of the Lord's Passion, Pope Leo XIV celebrated Mass for the faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square.
In his homily, 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 remains steadfast in meekness, while others are stirring up violence,” said the Pope. “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 was about to engulf Him.
Pope Leo pointed out that Jesus desired to bring the world to the Father’s arms and to tear down every barrier that keeps us from God and our neighbor.
Repeating “King of Peace” several times, the Pope highlighted Jesus’ actions in His Passion that bear witness to His desire to bring peace.
When one of His disciples struck the high priest’s servant and cut of his ear, Jesus commanded the disciple to put away his sword, recalling that those who live by the sword die by the sword.
As He was crucified and put to death, Jesus did not arm or defend Himself but allowed Himself to be led like a lamb to the slaughter.
“He revealed the gentle face of God, who always rejects violence,” he said. “Rather than saving Himself, He allowed Himself to be nailed to the cross, embracing every cross borne in every time and place throughout human history.”
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