Amid escalating violence in the Middle East, Pope Leo XIV appealed for peace during his Angelus message on Sunday, calling on global leaders to end the “tragedy of war” and urging the world not to ignore the deepening humanitarian crisis in Iran, Israel, and especially Gaza.
The Holy Father condemned the growing bloodshed and suffering of thousands gathered in Saint Peter’s Square on the Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ (Corpus Christi).
“No armed victory can compensate for the pain of mothers, the fear of children, or stolen futures,” he warned.
The pope singled out the worsening situation in Gaza and neighboring territories, describing the daily suffering of civilians as at risk of being forgotten.
“This is a cry that requires responsibility and reason,” he said. “It must not be drowned out by the din of weapons or the rhetoric that incites conflict.”
With international concern mounting over the intensifying conflict, Leo called on political and diplomatic leaders to act swiftly and decisively.
“There are no ‘distant’ wars when human dignity is at stake,” he said. “Every member of the international community has a moral responsibility to stop the tragedy of war before it becomes an irreparable chasm.”
His remarks followed a reflection on the Gospel account of the multiplication of loaves and fishes, a miracle that the Pope used to emphasize the abundance that flows from sharing and divine generosity. He connected that miracle and the Eucharist, celebrated globally on Corpus Christi Sunday.
“The Eucharist is not only a sacred ritual,” Leo explained, “but a sign of God's self-giving love that unites and heals. In every Mass, the Lord receives what little we offer and transforms it into a gift of salvation.”
Citing Saint Augustine, the pope reminded the faithful that unity in the Church is built through the harmony of charity. He encouraged believers to become instruments of peace in their homes, cities, and nations.
“Let us go forth as bearers of communion and peace,” he said, extending an invitation to participate in the Eucharistic Procession through Rome that evening.
As war casts a long shadow over the Middle East, Leo’s words carry special weight. His plea—“May diplomacy silence the weapons!”—resonated as both prayer and challenge to a world growing weary of conflict.
In closing, the Holy Father greeted pilgrims from Colombia, Poland, Germany, Austria, and Italy, expressing gratitude to all those taking part in Corpus Christi festivities with prayer, song, and devotion.
As war drums beat louder in parts of the world, the voice from Saint Peter’s Square offered a counter-sound—one of conscience, communion, and hope.
In the words of Leo XIV, “War does not solve problems; it only deepens the wounds of history. Only peace can heal.”
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.
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