On Sunday, Pope Leo XIV once again called for peace across the world, urging leaders to open honest dialogue to ease suffering caused by wars and conflicts. On March 22, in a rainy St. Peter’s Square, the pope spoke during his Angelus address. He highlighted the human cost of violence in the Middle East and other troubled areas. He said, “We cannot stay silent in the face of the pain experienced by so many.” The pope stressed that war harms everyone. He called the deaths and destruction a tragedy that cries out to God.
Pope Leo encouraged continued prayer for an end to hostilities and for the establishment of peaceful solutions rooted in sincere dialogue and respect for human dignity. His appeal comes while the U.S. and Israel are still conducting operations in Iran. Talks about a possible ceasefire are ongoing. Fighting has increased in Lebanon. The situation is dragging the region deeper into turmoil.
Adding to the call for peace, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, condemned the Middle East war as both immoral and politically motivated. He spoke against using religion to support violence. He referred to recent remarks by. S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, who used Psalm 144 to support war. Pizzaballa said God is not on the side of war. He said God is with people who are suffering and dying. He also said we must protect innocent people and warned not to use religion for political reasons, emphasizing that such actions can lead to further suffering and conflict among communities.
During his address, Pope Leo spoke about the Gospel reading of the day. It tells how Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. He reminded people that faith in Christ brings eternal life. He said, “Those who believe in me will live, even if they die. Everyone who lives and believes in me will never truly die.”
The pope linked this message to the approaching Holy Week, encouraging the faithful to reflect on the events of Jesus’ Passion: his entry into Jerusalem, the Last Supper, trial, crucifixion, and burial. These events, he said, offer the opportunity to understand God’s love and open oneself to His grace.
Pope Leo reflected on humanity’s constant search for novelty and satisfaction, noting that people often pursue fame, wealth, or entertainment in the hope of filling an inner emptiness. He said these efforts show a deeper longing for something infinite, something that only God can provide. Quoting Saint Augustine, he reminded the faithful, “We are made for God, and we find no peace until we rest in Him.”
Jesus’ act of raising Lazarus, the pope said, also serves as an invitation to examine one’s own life. He urged believers to leave behind bad habits, selfishness, and love for money. He warned against living in shallow, empty ways that make people lonely and unhappy. By accepting God’s grace, people can leave their “tombs” of sadness. They can live with hope, love, and kindness. They can follow Jesus’ example of endless generosity. Pope Leo reminded everyone that God’s grace can bring them out of darkness into light. It helps people love without limits and live lives full of hope and compassion.
In a world increasingly affected by conflict and unrest, Pope Leo XIV said peace, kindness, and faith are very important. The world is facing more conflicts and unrest. People can help by talking, praying, and thinking about themselves. This can reduce suffering. It can also honor humanity’s wish for meaning and justice.
