Might 11, 2025 — In a robust handle from the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV urged a right away finish to the continued conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, invoking a convincing plea for international peace with the phrases, “By no means once more battle.” The pontiff’s remarks, delivered throughout a particular viewers in St. Peter’s Sq., underscored the devastating human toll of those wars and referred to as on world leaders to prioritize dialogue and reconciliation.
Chatting with 1000’s of pilgrims and dignitaries, Pope Leo XIV described the conflicts as “wounds on the guts of humanity.” He highlighted the struggling of civilians, notably kids and the aged, who bear the brunt of violence in each areas. “In Ukraine, houses are shattered by bombs. In Gaza, households are torn aside by destruction. This can’t be the legacy we depart for future generations,” he stated.
The Pope’s message comes amid escalating violence in each battle zones. In Ukraine, the battle with Russia, now in its third 12 months, has displaced tens of millions and left total cities in ruins. In Gaza, the Israeli-Palestinian battle has intensified, with airstrikes and floor operations inflicting widespread casualties and a deepening humanitarian disaster. In accordance with the United Nations, over 40,000 deaths have been reported in Gaza since October 2023, whereas Ukraine’s casualties are estimated within the a whole lot of 1000’s.
Pope Leo XIV referred to as for a right away ceasefire in each areas, urging all events to put down arms and have interaction in “honest negotiations.” He emphasised the function of the worldwide neighborhood in facilitating peace, stating, “It isn’t sufficient to wish for peace; we should act for it. Diplomacy should prevail over destruction.” The pontiff additionally introduced that the Vatican would enhance its humanitarian assist to affected populations, together with meals, medical provides, and shelter for displaced households.
The handle echoed the feelings of his predecessors, notably Pope John Paul II, who famously declared “By no means once more battle” throughout a 2003 enchantment in opposition to the Iraq Warfare. Pope Leo XIV’s selection of phrases was seen as a deliberate nod to this legacy, reinforcing the Catholic Church’s longstanding dedication to pacifism. He additionally invoked the teachings of Jesus Christ, quoting the Beatitudes: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they are going to be referred to as kids of God.”
Reactions to the Pope’s speech have been swift. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for the pontiff’s help, tweeting, “His Holiness’s phrases remind us that peace is a common name. Ukraine yearns for it.” In Gaza, native non secular leaders welcomed the assertion however pressured the necessity for concrete motion to deal with the blockade and ongoing violence. Israeli officers have but to remark, whereas Russian authorities dismissed the enchantment as “unrealistic.”
The Pope’s name for peace additionally resonated with international activists. Maria Alvarez, a spokesperson for the Worldwide Peace Bureau, stated, “Pope Leo XIV’s phrases are a clarion name at a time when the world appears to have normalized battle. His ethical authority might provoke motion.” Nonetheless, some analysts famous the challenges of translating the pontiff’s imaginative and prescient into actuality, given the complicated geopolitical dynamics at play.
Along with his enchantment for Ukraine and Gaza, Pope Leo XIV addressed broader threats to international stability, together with the arms race and the proliferation of nuclear weapons. “The instruments of battle should be dismantled, not multiplied,” he warned, calling for renewed efforts towards disarmament.
Because the Vatican prepares to host an interfaith summit on peace later this 12 months, Pope Leo XIV’s message units the stage for a renewed push for dialogue. Whether or not his phrases will encourage tangible progress stays unsure, however for the 1000’s gathered in St. Peter’s Sq., his imaginative and prescient of a world with out battle supplied a glimmer of hope in troubled instances.
This story was reported by NPR’s Vatican correspondent, Silvia Rossi.
