Full Breakdown
Pope Leo XIV's Easter Triduum and Calls for Peace Amid the Iran War
4/3/2026, 9:09:55 AM
Easter Triduum Plans
Pope Leo XIV is preparing to celebrate his first Easter Triduum, which begins with the Chrism Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica on Holy Thursday, April 4, 2026. This year’s liturgical schedule marks a return to traditional practices, notably the Evening Mass of the Lord’s Supper at the cathedral of St. John Lateran, a departure from Pope Francis's practice of celebrating in prisons and social centers. During this Mass, Pope Leo will wash the feet of 12 Roman priests, a customary act that aligns with traditional papal practices.
On Good Friday, the pope will preside over the liturgy of the Passion at St. Peter’s Basilica and will personally carry the cross during the Stations of the Cross at the Colosseum, a first for a pope. This act is intended to symbolize the pope's role as a spiritual leader and to convey the message that Christ continues to suffer alongside humanity. The Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday will include baptisms and confirmations, followed by the Easter Sunday Mass and the Urbi et Orbi blessing.
Context of the Iran War
As Pope Leo prepares for these significant liturgical events, he has also emerged as a vocal critic of the ongoing Iran war, which began with U.S.-Israeli airstrikes on February 28, 2026. The conflict has resulted in thousands of casualties, including innocent civilians, and has raised concerns about escalating violence in the region. The pope's comments reflect a shift from his earlier reticence regarding U.S. politics, as he now directly addresses President Donald Trump, urging him to seek an "off-ramp" to de-escalate the conflict.
Official Statements & Responses
In a press conference on March 31, Pope Leo stated, “I hope that [Trump] is looking for a way to decrease the amount of violence, of bombing, which would be a significant contribution to removing the hatred that’s being created.” He called on all world leaders to engage in dialogue and seek peaceful resolutions, emphasizing that Easter should be a time of reflection and peace. His remarks included a strong condemnation of the use of religion to justify war, asserting that “God does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war.”
The White House responded to the pope's comments, with press secretary Karoline Leavitt defending the administration's use of prayer in military contexts, stating that there is nothing wrong with leaders calling for prayers for service members.
Criticism & Opposition
Pope Leo's statements have drawn criticism from some conservative Catholic commentators who argue that his remarks contradict the traditional "just war" doctrine upheld by the Church. They contend that his interpretation of scripture regarding God’s rejection of prayers from those who wage war misrepresents the historical context of such teachings.
What's Next
As the Easter celebrations approach, all eyes will be on Pope Leo's Easter message from the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, where he is expected to further address the ongoing conflict and reiterate his calls for peace. His actions during the Easter Triduum, particularly carrying the cross, will likely serve as a poignant reminder of his commitment to advocating for peace in a world marked by violence and suffering.
