Pope Leo XIV says Abandon Arms Inviting "everyone to a ceasefire, because so many are still dying" while Encouraging "all people to try and promote peace"
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Just Forty-eight hours before embarking on his first apostolic journey to Türkiye and Lebanon, Pope Leo XIV held a work/rest day at Castel Gandolfo. As he did the previous week, he answered questions from journalists and greeted the faithful outside Villa Barberini.
Apostolic Journey and the Jubilee of Hope
The Pope described his upcoming trip as one "marked by hope and peace," underscoring that the message he will bring is one of hope, especially in this Jubilee of Hope.
Regarding the journey, which includes a stop in İznik for the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, the Pope stated, "I am very happy to be able to visit Lebanon."
He added, "I will be very happy to greet all the people."He noted the trip was conceived to celebrate this anniversary and recalled the recent publication of the Apostolic Letter 'In unitate fidei' (issued on 23/11/2025), which speaks "precisely about the importance of unity in faith, which can also be a source of peace for the whole world. We must give witness."
Reflecting on his meetings with the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, Bartholomew, he said, "I think it will be an exceptional opportunity to promote unity among all Christians."
Urging Dialogue in Conflict Zones
On global conflicts, the Pope urged always seeking dialogue to end war.
Middle East: Addressing Israel’s bombings of Hezbollah neighborhoods in Beirut, he expressed serious concern and appealed for all to "find ways to abandon the use of weapons as a means of solving problems." He called on parties "to come together to respect one another, to sit down together at the table to dialogue and to work together for solutions for the problems that affect us.” He further urged them "to look for justice because often times violence occurs as a result of injustices" so that all must "work together to look for greater unity, respect for all people and all religions.”
Ukraine: Reflecting on the three-year war and discussions concerning the peace plan proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump, the Pope said, “We must wait; thank God they are working (for peace), thank God. It seems they are getting closer. In dialogue there are various problems, but I would in any case like to invite everyone to a ceasefire, because so many are still dying.”
A New Mentality
On the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, Pope Leo XIV addressed the issue of violence against women, stating that "mentalities must change beginning with the education of young people."
He emphasized that “we must begin with the formation of young people,” because “every person deserves respect” and every human being has dignity.
He appealed for an end to violence and for the creation of “a different mentality,” saying, “We must be people of peace who wish good for everyone.”
Thanksgiving Day
In conclusion, the Pope answered how he, as an American, would observe Thanksgiving Day, which falls during his trip.
“I would encourage all people especially with this beautiful feast that we have in the United States, which unites all people, people of different faiths, people who perhaps do not have the gift of faith, but to say thank you to someone, to recognize that we all have received so many gifts, first and foremost the gift of life, the gift of faith, the gift of unity, to encourage all people to try and promote peace and harmony and to give thanks to God for the many gifts we’ve been given.”
Source: https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2025-11/pope-in-nicaea-a-message-christian-unity-in-lebanon-for-peace.html
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