James O'Reilly
Pope Leo XIV was very forceful in his message during the prayer vigil for peace. Before thousands of faithful, the pope spoke clearly: war divides, arrogance tramples, and idolatry blinds.
POPE LEO XIV
Let us rise again from the rubble! Nothing can trap us in a destiny already written, not even in this world where graves seem not to be enough, because life continues to be crucified and annihilated, without right and without mercy.
International attention was on Pakistan's capitol this past Saturday as Iran and the United States attempted negotiations—which ended without an agreement. Although Pope Leo did not mention any specific country in his speech, these were his words to world leaders:
POPE LEO XIV
Certainly, there are unavoidable responsibilities for the leaders of nations. To them we cry out: stop. It is time for peace. Sit at tables of dialogue and mediation, not at tables where rearmament is planned and actions of death are decided.
Pope Leo mentioned his predecessors such as Popes Pius XII, John XXIII, Paul VI, and Francis, who also lived through turbulent times of conflict. In particular, he mentioned Pope St. John Paul II's opposition to the invasion of Iraq in 2003.
