Pope Leo XIV Pleads for Peace

We, the Benedictine Sisters of Mount St. Scholastica, are saddened by the actions of our administration in the waging of war on Iran. We are further appalled by the justification of the killing of our perceived enemies in the name of Jesus, the King of Peace. We are of one mind with Pope Leo XIV who said:

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.’

As we set our gaze upon him who was crucified for us, we can see a crucified humanity. In his last cry to the Father, we hear the weeping of those who are crushed, who have no hope, who are sick and who are alone. Above all, we hear the painful groans of all those who are oppressed by violence and are victims of war.

Christ, King of Peace, cries out again from his cross: God is love! Have mercy! Lay down your weapons! Remember that you are brothers and sisters!

Pope Leo XIV, Palm Sunday 2026