Pope Leo XIV prays at Rome cemetery for victims of the “absurd violence of war”

During a Mass at Rome’s Verano cemetery for All Souls’ Day, Pope Leo XIV remembered those who died because of war and called attention to the tears of children, mothers and elderly people.

2 Nov 2026

Pope Leo XIV prayed for people who have died because of the “absurd violence of war” during a Mass celebrated on Monday afternoon at Rome’s Verano cemetery for the solemnity of All Souls’ Day.

In his homily, the Pope referred to one of the eight Beatitudes in the Gospel of Matthew, saying that it speaks in a particularly meaningful way to the occasion. He also evoked the tears of children, mothers and elderly people affected by war.

“May the tears of so many mothers, so many children and so many elderly people touch the consciences of those who have the power to silence the weapons,” Leo XIV said, according to the reported remarks.

Sources: La Repubblica.