Pope Leo XIV Commits to Every Effort for Peace
Vatican City — Pope Leo XIV, the first American to lead the global Catholic Church, vowed on Wednesday to make “every effort” for peace. He also offered the Vatican’s role as a mediator in international conflicts, emphasizing that war is “never inevitable.” From the start of his papacy, Leo has consistently appealed for peace. His very first greeting to the faithful in St. Peter’s Square was, “Peace be with all you.”
Supporting Conflict Zones and Promoting Dialogue
During his address to members of the Eastern Catholic Churches, many of which are located in troubled regions such as Ukraine, Syria, Lebanon, and Iraq, the pope reiterated his call for harmony. These communities often endure persecution as religious minorities. He said, “The Holy See is always ready to help bring enemies together, face-to-face, to talk to one another, so that peoples everywhere may once more find hope and recover the dignity they deserve, the dignity of peace.”
He stressed that “war is never inevitable,” urging that weapons must be silenced because they only deepen problems rather than solve them. “Those who make history are the peacemakers, not those who sow seeds of suffering,” he added. Pope Leo warned against simplistic views that divide people into good versus evil, reminding everyone that “our neighbors are not first our enemies, but fellow human beings.”
Calls for Peace in Global Hotspots
Last Sunday, the pope called for an “authentic and lasting peace” in Ukraine and urged a ceasefire in Gaza. He also demanded the release of all Israeli hostages held by the militant group Hamas. Additionally, he welcomed a fragile ceasefire between India and Pakistan.
On Monday, Pope Leo XIV spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in his first known conversation with a foreign leader since becoming pope. During their talk, he offered to facilitate peace talks as world leaders attend his inauguration mass. The Ukrainian president hopes to be present at the event in St. Peter’s Square on May 18 and is prepared to hold meetings on the sidelines, according to his chief of staff.
The Vatican’s Role in Pursuing Peace
By pledging every effort for peace, Pope Leo XIV highlights the Vatican’s commitment to serving as a bridge among conflicting parties. His approach emphasizes dialogue and reconciliation over violence. As the new spiritual leader of millions worldwide, he encourages nations and individuals alike to reject hatred and seek peaceful solutions.
In this critical time marked by ongoing conflicts and humanitarian crises, the pope’s message serves as a powerful reminder that peace is achievable through mutual understanding and compassion, not through force or division.