Pope Leo calls on world leaders to pursue peace

Pope Leo. Photo: Vatican News

Pope Leo XIV led a prayer vigil for peace at St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican on Saturday evening, the Vatican News reported.

During the service, the pontiff issued a direct appeal to world leaders: “Stop! It is time for peace! Sit at the table of dialogue and mediation, not at the table where rearmament is planned and deadly actions are decided!” Now more than ever, he recognized, we must show that peace is not a utopia.

The Pope stressed that the Church will continue to call for peace: “She proclaims the Gospel of peace and instills obedience to God rather than any human authority, especially when the inherent dignity of other human beings is threatened by continuous violations of international law.”

The pontiff did not point out any names, but international media interpreted his remarks as an address to the leaders of the United States and Israel amid their military actions against Iran.

As previously reported by the UOJ, a UOC official commented on the possibility of a papal visit to Ukraine.

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