Pope Leo XIV calls for stopping conflicts and opening spaces for dialogue

Published at: 11/04/2026 10:30 PM

Pope Leo XIV called on heads of state to stop wars and make negotiating commitments during a prayer vigil for peace held in St. Peter's Square.

The Pontiff affirmed that “it is a time of peace” and urged that confrontation be replaced by talks to stop the violence.

In his speech, transmitted by Vatican News and disseminated by international agencies, the Bishop of Rome rejected the logic of individual interest and economic power.

“Enough of the idolatry of self and of money. Enough of the war. True strength is manifested in service to life,” he told the audience.

The call had been announced on Easter Sunday, at the close of the urbi et orbi blessing, when Leo XIV warned of the “globalization of indifference” towards the victims of armed conflicts. At the vigil, he reiterated that message and called on those responsible for the hostilities to stop military operations. “Sit at dialogue and mediation tables, not at tables where rearmament is planned and death actions are deliberated,” he said.

The Pope affirmed that coexistence between peoples and religions is possible and that peace requires collective decisions.

Mazo News Team