Pope Leo XIV Calls for Global Leaders to Meet and “Silence the Weapons”

In a world increasingly dominated by armed conflicts and diplomatic deadlock, a rare and urgent plea has been issued from one of the world’s most influential moral voices.

A Message of Peace From the Vatican

Pope Leo XIV urged world leaders on Wednesday to sit down and negotiate an end to violence, offering the Vatican as a meeting ground where “enemies can look each other in the eye,” according to 20minutos.

Speaking to representatives of Eastern Churches gathered for the Jubilee at the Vatican, Leo XIV emphasized, “The people want peace, and I say to the leaders with my heart in my hand: let us meet, let us talk, let us negotiate. War is never inevitable.

The timing of his address coincides with preparations for high-level talks between Russian and Ukrainian delegations in Turkey, though it remains unclear if Russian President Vladimir Putin will personally attend.

Echoes of War and Suffering

Pope Leo XIV reflected on the grim toll of conflict:

From the Holy Land to Ukraine, from Lebanon to Syria, from the Middle East to Tigray and the Caucasus, how much violence!” he lamented to applause. “Young lives are being lost in the name of military conquest, and it should spark outrage.

He also paid tribute to the Eastern Churches, which have endured suffering and persecution.

The Pope urged prayers for reconciliation, forgiveness, and the courage to “turn the page and start anew.”

The Vatican as a Beacon for Dialogue

Leo XIV reaffirmed the Vatican’s readiness to host peace talks, declaring:

The Holy See is available to provide a space where enemies can meet, restore dignity, and return hope to people robbed of peace.” He added, “Those who sow peace will be remembered by history, not those who sow death.

The Pontiff concluded by acknowledging the Christians of the Middle East who persevere and resist the temptation to abandon their homelands, urging that they be granted the full rights for a safe and dignified existence.