Pope Leo XIV delivered a strong plea for global harmony, emphasizing that war can never be justified through faith, in a video message sent to participants of the International Meeting for Peace in Assisi, Addressing the event organized by the Community of Sant’Egidio under the theme “Unarmed and Disarming Peace,” the Holy Father reminded religious leaders and believers worldwide that “there is no such thing as a holy war: only peace is holy.”
The three-day gathering in the Umbrian hilltown—the birthplace of Saint Francis—marked the 40th anniversary of the historic World Day of Prayer for Peace initiated by Saint John Paul II on October 27, 1986. Pope Leo expressed his regret at not being able to attend in person at the tomb of Saint Francis, while commending the gathering of religious leaders, patriarchs, and Franciscans as living proof that humanity can coexist peacefully as brothers and sisters.
Reflecting on a world increasingly dominated by a “culture of power,” the Pope highlighted the urgent need to cultivate the true “Spirit of Assisi.” He explained that this spirit demands an absolute rejection of religious justifications for violence, urging leaders instead to prioritize mediation, humble prayer, and creative action. He called for peace to once again become the guiding standard exposing injustice and the ultimate goal for all nations, stressing that humanity must actively rebuild peace rather than prepare for further conflict.
Acknowledging that prayer can often appear weak in the eyes of world powers, Pope Leo highlighted it as the “humble strength of believers” that is never in vain. He appealed for persistent prayer to touch the hearts of those driven by violence and terrorism, calling on faith leaders to foster dialogue within society so that the language of arrogance yields to negotiation and understanding.
Concluding the message, Pope Leo prayed that the Lord would transform all believers into “unarmed instruments of His peace.”