Key Points
- Pope Leo XIV condemns use of religion to justify war.
- Pontiff calls for immediate ceasefire in the Middle East.
- Says “God cannot be enlisted by darkness.”
- Prays for victims of attacks on schools, hospitals and homes.
- Expresses concern over worsening crisis in Lebanon.
- Urges leaders to reopen paths of dialogue.
- Warns violence cannot bring justice or peace.
ROME: Pope Leo XIV renewed his call for peace in the Middle East on Sunday, strongly criticising those who attempt to justify violence by invoking religion.
The pontiff warned that faith must never be used to legitimize war, declaring that “God cannot be enlisted by darkness.”
Speaking during a pastoral visit to a parish in a suburb of Rome, the pope expressed concern about ongoing global conflicts and the suffering caused by war.
He said millions of people across the world continue to endure violence because of the mistaken belief that disputes and differences can be settled through armed conflict.
“Many of our brothers and sisters are currently suffering because of violent wars,” the 70-year-old pontiff said. “These conflicts are often driven by the absurd idea that problems can be solved through force.”
The pope criticised leaders and groups who claim divine justification for war, stressing that invoking the name of God in violent actions distorts the true values of religion, according to media reports.
“Some try to involve God’s name in these deadly decisions,” he said, adding that faith should inspire peace rather than destruction. “Those who call upon God must seek peace.”
Earlier in the day, during his weekly Angelus prayer in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican, Pope Leo XIV prayed for the victims of what he described as the “atrocious violence of war” across the Middle East.
He expressed solidarity with families who have lost loved ones in attacks that have struck schools, hospitals and residential areas.
“I renew my closeness to all those who have lost relatives and friends in these attacks,” the pope said, emphasizing the human toll of the ongoing conflicts.
The pontiff also voiced deep concern about the worsening situation in Lebanon, which has been heavily affected by the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
He called for renewed diplomatic efforts to stabilize the country and address the severe humanitarian and political crisis affecting the Lebanese people.
Addressing the broader regional conflict, Pope Leo made an impassioned appeal for an immediate ceasefire, particularly as the war involving Iran continues to escalate.
He lamented that thousands of non-combatants have been killed and many more have suffered across the region.
“Violence can never bring the justice, stability and peace that people are waiting for,” the pope said. “Cease fire! Let paths of dialogue be reopened.”
The pontiff warned that continued warfare would only deepen suffering and instability in the Middle East.
He urged political leaders and those responsible for the conflict to choose diplomacy and dialogue instead of military confrontation.
“In the name of the Christians of the Middle East and of all women and men of goodwill,” he said, “I appeal to those responsible for this conflict: stop the fighting.”
Pope Leo reiterated that war can never truly resolve disputes, stressing that lasting peace can only be achieved through dialogue, cooperation and mutual understanding.
