Pope Leo XIV holds an audience with representatives of the media in Paul VI hall at the Vatican, May 12, 2025. REUTERS/Eloisa Lopez/File Photo
Pope Leo XIV Advocates for Peace and Offers Vatican Mediation
Pope Leo XIV, the first American to lead the Catholic Church, pledged on Wednesday to actively pursue peace and offered the Vatican’s assistance in mediating global conflicts, emphasizing that war is “never inevitable.”
Commitment to Peace
In his address, Pope Leo stated that the Vatican is always prepared to facilitate dialogue between adversaries, aiming to restore hope and dignity through peaceful means. He stressed that violence and warfare only exacerbate problems rather than resolve them.
“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 stated.
He warned against oversimplifying global issues by dividing the world into “good” and “evil” and called for recognizing human dignity rather than viewing neighbors as enemies.
Support from Ukraine
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, who spoke to Pope Leo shortly after his election, welcomed the Vatican’s offer of mediation, reiterating Kyiv’s commitment to seeking a peaceful resolution to the conflict with Russia. In a social media statement, Zelenskiy expressed gratitude for the Pope’s willingness to facilitate dialogue.
Zelenskiy also acknowledged the support of leaders from the Global South for direct negotiations, highlighting the Vatican’s potential role in advancing diplomatic efforts. He emphasized that peace must be pursued actively and that Pope Leo’s intervention could help facilitate discussions.
Global Appeal for Peace
Earlier, Pope Leo called for a ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all Israeli hostages held by Hamas, and the preservation of the fragile ceasefire between India and Pakistan. In addressing members of Eastern Catholic Churches—many of whom come from conflict-affected regions such as Ukraine, Syria, Lebanon, and Iraq—the Pope reaffirmed his stance that peace should be the ultimate goal.
He condemned the use of weapons as a means of conflict resolution, insisting that true change is brought about by peacemakers rather than those who perpetuate violence.
First Diplomatic Steps
Leo XIV’s first known diplomatic engagement was with President Zelenskiy, highlighting the Pope’s intention to address pressing global conflicts from the outset of his papacy. Zelenskiy expressed his intention to attend the Pope’s inauguration at St. Peter’s Square on May 18, hoping to engage in diplomatic discussions on the sidelines.
With a focus on dialogue and reconciliation, Pope Leo XIV is positioning the Vatican as a central player in global peace efforts, fostering hope for a more peaceful and just world.
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