Pope Leo Calls for Peace, Criticizes Rise of Nationalism

Without naming a particular country or national leader, Pope Leo XIV criticized the rise of nationalist movements as he prayed for reconciliation and dialogue during a Sunday Mass on June 8.

Addressing a crowd of about ten thousand gathered in St. Peter’s Square, the Pope called on God to “open borders, break down walls, and dispel hatred.”

“Where there is love, there is no room for prejudice, for security zones separating us from our neighbors, for the exclusionary mindset that, unfortunately, we now see emerging also in political nationalisms,” Pope Leo said.

He emphasized the importance of personal transformation as the starting point for global peace.

“First of all, peace in our hearts, for only a peaceful heart can spread peace in the family, society, and international relations,” he said.

Pope Leo also quoted Pope Francis’s words from Pentecost 2023: “We are all connected, yet find ourselves disconnected from one another, anesthetized by indifference, and overwhelmed by solitude.”

Condemning the ongoing violence in many parts of the world, Pope Leo said wars continue to plague humanity and pleaded with the Holy Spirit for “the gift of peace.” He prayed that the Holy Spirit would “break down barriers and tear down the walls of indifference and hatred.”

Before his election, Pope Leo had openly criticized U.S. President Donald Trump on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter). The Vatican has not confirmed whether the X account under the handle @drprevost—deactivated after Leo became pope—was his.

Upon his election, Pope Leo pledged to promote unity and peace, a commitment echoed in his Pentecost homily. The Mass, one of the Church’s most important feasts, reinforced his vision of the Church as a beacon of reconciliation and dialogue.