Pope Leo XIV Prays for Peace, Denounces 'Just War' Concept

Pope Leo XIV marked Pentecost on Sunday with a plea for peace, praying that humanity might be saved “from the evil of war."

"Let's pray that it may free humanity from misery, which is redeemed not by incalculable wealth, but by an inexhaustible gift," said the pontiff during the mass.

The service, which marks the 50th day after Catholic Easter, was celebrated in St Peter’s Basilica in the presence of more than 5,000 worshippers.

"Dearest friends, with ardent hearts, let's pray today that the Spirit of the Risen One may save us from the evil of war, which is overcome not by a superpower but by the Omnipotence of love. Let's pray that He may free humanity from misery, which is redeemed not by incalculable wealth but by an inexhaustible gift."

The pope warned that some changes "do not bring new life to the world, but make it grow old through error and violence."

By contrast, he said, "The Holy Spirit enlightens minds and instils new vitality in our hearts."

His words tally with recent sermons and comments regarding the current state of the world, particularly when the Trump administration in April attempted to portray its military operation in Iran as a "just war" supported by divine power.

This was categorically denied by Pope Leo XIV, who insisted that Jesus "does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war."

According to the Vatican, the Pope centred his homily on Sunday on the Risen Christ’s appearance to the disciples in the Upper Room, where Jesus showed them "his hands and his side" before breathing the Holy Spirit upon them.

"The Lord reveals his glorious body, specifically his wounds, the marks of the Crucifixion," Pope Leo said. "These signs of the Passion, more eloquent than words, are now transfigured; he who was dead lives forever."

The same Upper Room that had been marked by fear and betrayal became, through Christ’s gift of the Spirit, "for the entire Church, the womb of the Resurrection," the pope said.

Pentecost is widely celebrated across Europe as both a major Christian festival and a public holiday.