BREAKING Pope Leo XIV Tells World Leaders "that peace...might reign" - "I'm told that President Trump...that he would like to end the war. Hopefully he's looking for an 'off-ramp'" to Journalists at Castel Gandolfo
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Pope Leo XIV Urges Dialogue: An Apostolic Appeal to Trump and Global LeadersIn a poignant address to the press at Castel Gandolfo this evening, March 31, Pope Leo XIV issued a direct call to action for world leaders to abandon aggression and “come back to the table” to resolve global conflicts through diplomacy.
A Hope for De-escalation
With the world shadowed by ongoing strife, the Pontiff specifically noted recent comments from the White House regarding the cessation of hostilities.
“I'm told that President Trump recently stated that he would like to end the war. Hopefully he's looking for an 'off-ramp'. Hopefully he's looking for a way to decrease the amount of violence, of bombing, which would be a significant contribution to removing the hatred that's being created and that's increasing constantly in the Middle East and elsewhere.”
As the Church nears the celebration of Easter, the Pope’s message served as a sobering reminder of the human cost of modern warfare. He urged those in power: “Come back to the table, to dialogue. Let's look for solutions to problems, let's look for ways to reduce the amount of violence that we're promoting, that peace - especially at Easter - might reign in our hearts."
Seeking an Easter Truce
Pope Leo XIV emphasized that the resurrection of Christ should usher in a period of profound tranquility, though the current global landscape tells a different story.
Sacred Time: He reminded listeners that Easter “should be the holiest, most sacred time of the year. It is a time of peace, a time for much reflection, but as we all know, once again in the world, in so many places, we are seeing so much suffering, so many deaths, even innocent children.”
The Reality of Conflict: “We make continuous appeals for peace, but unfortunately many people want to promote hatred and violence, war,” the Pope emphasized.
A Call to Faith: He asked all people, “especially Christians,” to “live these days recognising that Christ is still crucified today, that Christ still suffers today in the innocent, especially those who are suffering from violence, hatred, and war.”
In a direct response to journalists, the Holy Father expressed a fervent hope for a formal truce to be observed throughout the Easter season, urging: “Let us pray for them, for the victims of war, let us pray that there may truly be a new, renewed peace, which can give new life to all.”
Symbolic Suffering at the Colosseum
The Vatican also confirmed that the Pope intends to personally carry the Cross during the upcoming Good Friday Stations of the Cross at the Colosseum.
Explaining the significance of this gesture, Leo XIV remarked, “I think it will be an important sign because of what the Pope represents: a spiritual leader in today’s world, a voice to say that Christ still suffers. And I carry all these sufferings in my prayers as well.” He invited “all people of goodwill, to people of faith, to walk together, to walk with Christ who suffered for us, to give us salvation, and to seek to be bearers of peace ourselves.”
Looking Toward Spain
Finally, as the Pope prepared to greet a crowd that included the mayor of Albano, he shared his expectations for his scheduled apostolic journey to Spain this June. When asked what he anticipates from the visit, he replied: “Faith, much love, hospitality, and a warm welcome.”
Reflecting on his long history with the nation, he added, “I have been visiting Spain for over 40 years and have always found a people of great faith and goodwill,” noting his hope that “we can celebrate all of this during this visit as well.”
Source: Vatican News IT
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