On March 29, 2026, St. Peter’s Square overflowed with thousands of faithful waving palm branches as Pope Leo XIV celebrated his first Palm Sunday Mass and the Passion of the Lord. The Vatican News highlights video captures the solemn beauty of the liturgy—from the blessing of palms and grand procession to the powerful homily and the midday Angelus prayer—offering viewers a vivid window into the start of Holy Week 2026.
A Procession of Peace, Not Power
The celebration began with the traditional entrance procession, echoing Jesus’ humble entry into Jerusalem on a donkey rather than a warhorse. Pope Leo XIV, dressed in red vestments symbolizing the coming Passion, led the faithful in waving palms and singing “Hosanna.” The video highlights beautifully intercut scenes of the vast crowd, the Pope greeting pilgrims, and the solemn reading of the Passion narrative, reminding everyone that Holy Week is not merely a historical commemoration but a living invitation to walk with Christ.
Homily: Jesus, the King of Peace Who Rejects War
In a deeply moving homily delivered in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Leo XIV placed the entire celebration under the theme of Christ as King of Peace. He invited the faithful to walk the Way of the Cross alongside Jesus, contemplating His broken heart and His life offered as a gift of love.
The Pope repeatedly returned to the title “King of Peace,” contrasting Jesus’ actions with the violence surrounding Him:
“He remains steadfast in meekness, while others are stirring up violence. He offers Himself to embrace humanity, even as others raise swords and clubs.”
Drawing from Scripture, Pope Leo recalled how Jesus entered Jerusalem fulfilling the prophecy of Zechariah: a humble king riding on a donkey who “shall command peace to the nations.” When a disciple drew a sword in defense, Jesus commanded, “Put your sword back into its place, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword” (Mt 26:52). On the cross, Jesus remained silent “like a lamb that is led to the slaughter,” revealing “the gentle face of God, who always rejects violence.”
Then came the homily’s most striking declaration:
“Brothers and sisters, this is our God: Jesus, King of Peace, who rejects war, whom no one can use to justify war. 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’” (Is 1:15).
The Pope went on to see in the crucified Christ the face of every victim of violence today. “In his wounds, we see the hurts of so many women and men today… Above all, we hear the painful groans of all those who are oppressed by violence and are victims of war.” He cried out with Christ from the cross: “God is love! Have mercy! Lay down your weapons! Remember that you are brothers and sisters!”
Concluding with a moving prayer to Mary, Pope Leo quoted the late Bishop Tonino Bello:
“Holy Mary, woman of the third day, grant us the certainty that, in spite of all, death will no longer hold sway over us; that the injustices of peoples are numbered; that the flashes of war are fading into the twilight… And grant, finally, that the tears of all the victims of violence and pain will soon be dried up like frost beneath the spring sun.”
Angelus: Prayers for the Suffering in the Middle East and Beyond
After Mass, from the window of the Apostolic Palace, Pope Leo XIV led the traditional Angelus prayer. His reflections turned immediately to those sharing most intimately in Christ’s Passion today—the Christians of the Middle East enduring the consequences of brutal conflict and unable to celebrate Holy Week in peace.
“Their ordeal challenges all our consciences. Let us raise our prayer to the Prince of Peace that he may sustain the peoples wounded by war and open concrete paths to reconciliation and peace.”
He also remembered maritime workers and migrants who have lost their lives at sea, especially recent victims off the coast of Crete, entrusting them all to the Lord’s mercy. The Pope closed by greeting pilgrims and Romans present, asking the Virgin Mary to accompany the Church through the sacred days ahead.
Why This Message Matters Now
Pope Leo XIV’s first Palm Sunday as Successor of Peter comes at a time when multiple conflicts continue to wound the world. His clear, uncompromising words—that no one can invoke God to justify war—resound as both a prophetic challenge and a tender invitation. The highlights video from Vatican News captures not only the liturgical splendor but the urgent pastoral heart of a Pope who calls every believer to become instruments of the peace that Jesus alone can give.
As Holy Week unfolds, the Church is invited once again to contemplate the mystery of the Lord’s Passion and to let it transform us. In the words of Pope Leo XIV, may we hear Christ’s cry from the cross and respond: “Lay down your weapons. Remember that you are brothers and sisters.”
Watch the full highlights on YouTube: 29 March 2026 Celebration of Palm Sunday, Angelus prayer – Pope Leo XIV
May the Prince of Peace bless us and guide our steps through these holy days toward the joy of Easter.
