Pope Leo XIV Calls for Peace and Ceasefire During Holy Week 2026

Pope Leo XIV delivered a series of powerful messages during Holy Week 2026, calling for peace and an end to violence in conflict zones around the world.

**Holy Week Messages**

During Holy Week, Pope Leo XIV emphasized following Christ's path, including the Way of the Cross, to bring peace. He stated that those in authority will be accountable to God for their exercise of power. At the Good Friday liturgy, he underscored the need to break the "chain of violence" and presented Christ's Passion as a radical answer to violence through love and restraint.

During the Mass of the Lord's Supper, he noted that people often equate power with domination and victory with destruction, but Jesus shows how to give life and freedom. In his first Holy Thursday homily, Pope Leo XIV called on Catholics to embrace a mission of selfless love.

**Call for Middle East Peace**

Opening Holy Week on Palm Sunday, the Pope urged prayers for peace, especially in the Middle East, and called for people to "lay down their weapons." He decried the "atrocious violence" in the region and urged a ceasefire, emphasizing that God rejects the prayers of leaders who wage wars with hands "full of blood."

**Apostolic Journey to Monaco**

For his first apostolic journey of 2026, Pope Leo XIV visited Monaco, speaking about sharing the wealth of the Gospel and the riches of the earth. The visit highlighted the Church's commitment to social justice and the equitable distribution of resources.

**Role of Laypeople**

The Pope also highlighted the important role of laypeople in the Church and the world, drawing on Second Vatican Council teaching, encouraging all Catholics to embrace their mission in the public square.