Pope Leo XIV Calls for Global Peace During Audience with Eastern Catholic Churches at Vatican

VATICAN CITY, May 14, 2025: During an audience with members of the Eastern Catholic Churches on Wednesday morning at the Paul VI Hall, Pope Leo XIV reaffirmed the Vatican's dedication to fostering global peace amidst ongoing conflicts. The gathering, part of the ongoing Jubilee of the Eastern Churches, was attended by patriarchs, bishops, clergy, and lay faithful from Eastern Churches around the world.

Addressing the gathering, Pope Leo XIV spoke directly about the suffering endured by Eastern Christians due to war, persecution, and displacement. He emphasized that many of the faithful have been forced to flee their homelands—from Ukraine to the Middle East and the Caucasus—endangering not only their physical safety but also their religious identity.

“In our own day too, many of our Eastern brothers and sisters, including some of you, have been forced to flee their homelands because of war and persecution, instability and poverty,” the Pope said. “With the passing of generations, the priceless heritage of the Eastern Churches is being lost.”

Drawing attention to global flashpoints such as the Holy Land, Lebanon, Syria, Tigray, and Ukraine, the pontiff described the violence as a tragedy that demands an urgent moral and spiritual response. Citing Pope Francis’s previous reference to Eastern communities as “martyr Churches”, Pope Leo XIV appealed for reconciliation and implored leaders to engage in dialogue rather than conflict.

“War is never inevitable,” he declared. “Weapons can and must be silenced, for they do not resolve problems but only increase them. Those who make history are the peacemakers.”

The Pope reiterated the Holy See’s willingness to serve as a mediator for peace, calling on global leaders to meet, negotiate, and prioritize human dignity over military objectives. He also expressed gratitude to Christians who, despite immense challenges, continue to live and witness their faith in their ancestral lands.

“The Church will never tire of repeating: let weapons be silenced,” Pope Leo XIV concluded. “Christians must be given the opportunity, and not just in words, to remain in their native lands with all the rights needed for a secure existence.”

The Jubilee of the Eastern Churches is one of several initiatives during the Jubilee Year of Hope, which aims to foster spiritual renewal, unity, and global solidarity among the faithful.

Courtesy: Vatican News

Image Source: CNN