Pope Leo XIV has urged Catholics to be peacemakers rooted in hope and to confront the challenges posed by modern society, including the rapid spread of digital technology. His message was sent to participants in the 46th Meeting for Friendship Among Peoples—known as the “Rimini Meeting”—and signed on his behalf by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State, according to Vatican News.
The Rimini Meeting, organized by the Communion and Liberation Movement, has been held each August since 1980, drawing thousands of participants for reflection, dialogue, and cultural encounters. This year’s theme, “In the vacant places we will build with new bricks,” invited reflection on renewal and hope in a fragmented world.
PRAYER FOR HOPE – FREE PRAYER PDF DOWNLOAD
Hope and the witness of the martyrs
Pope Leo reminded participants that Christian hope cannot disappoint. He cited Scripture, affirming that “the stone which the builders rejected has become the cornerstone, chosen and precious, and whoever believes in it will not be put to shame. For ‘hope does not disappoint.’” According to Vatican News, he emphasized that even “deserts” in life—places of emptiness or loss—can become places where God passes through in unexpected ways.
This year’s gathering featured an exhibition dedicated to the Martyrs of Algeria, whom Pope Leo praised for showing how the Church is called to “dwell in the desert in profound communion with all humanity—overcoming walls of mistrust that divide religions and cultures—by fully imitating the movement of the Incarnation and self-giving of the Son of God.”
The daily work of peace
The Pope reminded Catholics that peace is not achieved by abstract ideals but by lived faith. “Peace is not a spiritual utopia; it is a humble path made of daily gestures,” he wrote, encouraging communities to become houses of peace “where hostility is defused through dialogue, where justice is practiced, and forgiveness is guarded.”
He also repeated his call for the Church to promote nonviolence, reconciliation, and projects that transform fear into opportunities for encounter. Such initiatives, he stressed, are essential if faith, hope, and charity are to bring about “a profound cultural conversion.”
Rejecting the idolatry of profit
Pope Leo challenged Catholics to examine the social and economic structures that obstruct justice and peace. “To serve the living God, we must abandon the idolatry of profit, which has gravely compromised justice, the freedom to meet and exchange, the participation of all in the common good—and ultimately, peace itself,” he warned.
A faith that turns away from the brokenness of the world, or that silently tolerates it, “would no longer be true discipleship of Jesus Christ,” he said.
Risks of the digital revolution
Reflecting on the sweeping changes of modern life, Pope Leo cautioned that technology must be approached wisely. “The ongoing digital revolution risks amplifying discrimination and conflict; it must therefore be inhabited with the creativity of those who, obeying the Holy Spirit, are no longer slaves, but children,” he explained.
With this vision, he invited Catholics to imagine a future where deserts are transformed into gardens and “the City of God, foretold by the saints, transfigures our desolate places.”
The Holy Father concluded by entrusting the participants of the Rimini Meeting to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the “Star of the Morning,” and imparted his Apostolic Blessing.
Your support brings the truth to the world.
Catholic Online News exists because of donors like you. We are 100% funded by people who believe the world deserves real, uncensored news rooted in faith and truth — not corporate agendas. Your gift ensures millions can continue to access the news they can trust — stories that defend life, faith, family, and freedom.
When truth is silenced, your support speaks louder.
