Pope Leo Calls on World Leaders to Reduce Tensions and Reject Violence in New Vatican Message

Pope Leo Calls on World Leaders to Reduce Tensions and Reject Violence in New Vatican Message
———————————————
Pope Leo XIV has issued a strong appeal to global leaders to lower international tensions, abandon violence and work toward lasting peace, urging divine guidance for leaders in a message delivered during the celebration of the first anniversary of his papacy.

In his address on Friday in Pompei, the first pope from the United States emphasized the moral responsibility of governments to turn away from hatred and conflict, and to seek reconciliation and human dignity as part of a collective effort for global peace. He invited the faithful to pray that “God would touch hearts, calm rancour and fratricidal hatreds, and enlighten those who have special responsibilities of government.”

The call came a day after the Pope met with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the Vatican, in what was described as a constructive but unusually frank diplomatic encounter against the backdrop of strained relations with Washington. Both sides expressed a commitment to improving bilateral ties and discussed shared concerns such as peace, human dignity and international cooperation.

Pope Leo’s remarks come amid his increasingly vocal criticism of global conflicts, including wars in the Middle East, and his repeated calls for dialogue and non‑violent solutions. His stance has drawn attention and, in some political circles, criticism, particularly following public disagreements with U.S. leaders over issues such as warfare and security.

The pontiff stressed that peace cannot be sustained without a collective commitment from the world’s leaders to set aside instruments of violence and instead champion diplomacy, justice and respect for life — themes he reiterated as central to his mission as leader of the Catholic Church.