Pope Leo calls on world leaders to pursue peace

Pope Leo. Photo: Vatican News

Pope Leo XIV led a prayer vigil for peace at St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican on Saturday evening, the Vatican News reported.

During the service, the pontiff issued a direct appeal to world leaders: “Stop! It is time for peace! Sit at the table of dialogue and mediation, not at the table where rearmament is planned and deadly actions are decided!” Now more than ever, he recognized, we must show that peace is not a utopia.

The Pope stressed that the Church will continue to call for peace: “She proclaims the Gospel of peace and instills obedience to God rather than any human authority, especially when the inherent dignity of other human beings is threatened by continuous violations of international law.”

The pontiff did not point out any names, but international media interpreted his remarks as an address to the leaders of the United States and Israel amid their military actions against Iran.

On this topic MFA thanks Apostolic Nuncio "for advocating Ukraine's interests worldwide"

As previously reported by the UOJ, a UOC official commented on the possibility of a papal visit to Ukraine.

Read also

US helps restore Orthodox church in Turkey after earthquake

Greece signs memorandum on protection of Jerusalem Patriarchate's shrines

Next week, the Greek Parliament will ratify a document on the protection of the cultural heritage of the Jerusalem Patriarchate.

Greek bishop calls imposition of same-sex marriage a threat

Metropolitan Seraphim of Kythera urged families to become a “domestic church” amid threats to the Christian family in Greek laws and school curricula.

Patriarch Bartholomew arrives in Budapest for opening of Orthodox center

The Ecumenical Patriarch has arrived in Hungary, where he will preside over the consecration of the Orthodox center "Phanarion."

OCU raiders stage attack on seized church in Kyiv, media

OCU "hierarch" Serhiy Horobtsov published a provocative post online regarding St. John's Church in Bykivnia seized by his people.

Kamianske Eparchy commemorates New Martyr Ioann Mohylevsky