Pope Leo XIV has stepped forward with an offer to mediate between warring nations, expressing his strong commitment to fostering peace. The new pontiff, who assumed leadership of the global Catholic Church just last week, addressed the situation in regions plagued by violence. In his speech on Wednesday, Pope Leo XIV declared his intention to make every effort to ensure peace prevails across the globe.
Addressing members of the Eastern Catholic Churches at the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV urged Christians in the Middle East to remain steadfast in their homelands, despite the turmoil surrounding them. He highlighted the suffering in areas such as Ukraine, Lebanon, Syria, Tigray, and the Caucasus, and emphasized the crucial role of Christians in spreading hope amidst such despair. The pope encouraged them to continue praying for peace, reminding them of their unique ability to inspire hope in the darkest times.
In a heartfelt appeal, Pope Leo XIV expressed the Holy See’s readiness to facilitate dialogue between conflicting nations. He passionately called on global leaders to engage in talks, negotiate, and work toward achieving lasting peace. “The peoples of our world desire peace, and to their leaders I appeal with all my heart: Let us meet, let us talk, let us negotiate!” he said.
This call for peace came during an event marking the 2025 Jubilee holy year, which celebrates the 23 Eastern Catholic Churches. Pope Leo XIV, who succeeded Pope Francis after his passing in April, also expressed gratitude for those individuals and communities committed to peace. He thanked Christians, especially in the Middle East, for remaining in their homelands despite the challenges and for their perseverance in spreading peace. Pope Leo XIV emphasized the importance of ensuring that Christians have the opportunity to live securely in their native lands with all necessary rights.
