Pope Leo XIV offers to mediate global conflicts, calls for peace

On Wednesday, Pope Leo XIV offered to mediate between warring nations, pledging to do everything in his power to help peace prevail. 

Speaking at the Vatican just days after becoming the head of the Catholic Church, the new U.S.-born pontiff emphasized the Holy See’s commitment to facilitating dialogue and reconciliation.

“The Holy See is always ready to help bring enemies together, face to face, to talk,” he said, addressing members of the Eastern Catholic Churches gathered in the Paul VI Hall. “For my part, I will make every effort so that this peace may prevail.”

In a heartfelt appeal, Pope Leo urged world leaders to respond to the global yearning for peace. “To the leaders of nations, I appeal with all my heart: Let us meet, let us talk, let us negotiate,” he said.

The Pope also addressed the plight of Christians in conflict zones, particularly in the Middle East. He called on them not to abandon their homes despite the hardships they face, praising their courage and resilience.

“Who, better than you, can sing a song of hope even amid the abyss of violence?” he asked. “From the Holy Land to Ukraine, from Lebanon to Syria, from the Middle East to Tigray and the Caucasus—how much violence do we see.”

Pope Leo, who succeeded Pope Francis following his death on April 21 at the age of 88, made these remarks during a pre-arranged event for the upcoming 2025 Jubilee Year. The gathering focused on the 23 Eastern Catholic Churches, which are spread across Eastern Europe, the Middle East, India, and parts of Africa.

A consistent theme in Pope Leo’s early speeches has been a passionate call for peace and solidarity. He expressed gratitude to those who “sow seeds of peace” and praised Christians—both Eastern and Latin—who have remained in their homelands despite growing challenges.

“I thank God for those Christians who persevere and remain in the Middle East, resisting the temptation to flee,” he said. “Christians must be given the chance—not just in words—to live securely in their native lands, with all the rights needed for a dignified existence. Please, let us strive for this.”