In an address to Catholic bishops from the Middle East earlier today, Pope Leo XIV expressed his strong desire to see peace restored in the region and emphasized the Holy See’s willingness to mediate between opposing sides.
“The Holy See is ready to mediate so that enemies can come together,” the newly elected Pontiff declared. “I will do everything I can. To those in positions of responsibility, I say: let us meet.”
The American-born Pope stressed the urgency of dialogue in restoring hope and dignity to war-torn populations. “We are prepared to mediate so that enemies may look each other in the eye and restore to their peoples the hope and dignity they deserve — the dignity of peace,” he said. “The people want peace, and I say with my hand on my heart to those responsible for nations: let us meet, let us begin dialogue and negotiations.”
Pope Leo XIV strongly rejected the notion that war is ever inevitable. “War is never unavoidable. Weapons can and must fall silent, because they do not solve problems — they make them worse,” he concluded.
Source: ANA-MPA, Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
