Pope leo XIV Declares ”War is Never Holy” at international Peace Meeting
VATICAN CITY – pope Leo XIV delivered a forceful condemnation of war and a passionate plea for peace today, asserting that “war is never holy, only peace is holy, as it is indeed desired by God!” The declaration came during an international meeting for peace promoted by the community of Sant’Egidio, held at the Vatican.
The Pope’s remarks arrive as global conflicts continue to escalate, impacting millions and raising concerns about the increasing instrumentalization of religion in justifying violence. Building on the warnings of his predecessor,Pope Francis,who a year prior cautioned against the manipulation of faith to fuel conflict,Leo XIV urged world leaders to prioritize dialog,negotiation,and cooperation as pathways to reconciliation. The meeting underscores a growing international effort to address the root causes of conflict and foster a lasting peace, particularly in regions gripped by protracted warfare.
Leo XIV specifically referenced Pope Francis’s address at the same event last year,where the former pontiff warned about the dangers of religions being used to justify war. The current Pope called for a shift away from accepting war as an inevitable part of human history, emphasizing the power of prayer and open hands extended in solidarity.
“with the power of prayer, with bare hands raised to the sky and hands open to others, we must ensure that this period of history marked by war and the arrogance of force ends soon and a new history begins,” he stated. he implored listeners not to become desensitized to the ongoing conflicts around the world.
The Pope echoed a sentiment of desperation felt globally, quoting a powerful plea: “Enough! It is the cry of the poor and the cry of the earth. Enough! Lord, hear our cry!” He believes a “culture of reconciliation” can overcome what he termed a “globalization of impotence,” and called on governments to heed the people’s desire for peace.
“We must dare to seek peace! And if the world is deaf to this appeal, we are sure that God will hear our prayers and the laments of so many who suffer. Because God desires a world without war. He will free us from this evil!” the Pope concluded, reaffirming his commitment to a world free from conflict.
