The world once again witnessed the tragic cost of hatred when a suicide bombing struck the Mar Elias Church in Damascus, Syria, on June 22. In response, Pope Leo XIV used his Wednesday General Audience to mourn the victims, express solidarity with the Christian community in the Middle East, and issue a renewed global call for peace.
“The whole Church stands with you,” the pope said, addressing Christians across the region who have endured relentless suffering in recent years. He referred to the bombing as a “vile terrorist attack” and entrusted the souls of the victims to God’s mercy, offering prayers for the wounded and their families, according to Vatican News.
This latest act of violence highlights the “deep fragility” still felt in Syria, the pope warned, emphasizing that the war-torn country continues to face daily threats to peace and stability. He implored the international community to act: “Do not turn its gaze away from this country,” he urged, calling for “acts of solidarity and a renewed commitment to peace and reconciliation.”
Pope Leo XIV’s words carried a weight that resonated beyond Syria. Turning his attention to the wider Middle East, he noted that he is “closely and hopefully” following events in Iran, Israel, and Palestine. Once again, he appealed for the end of violence, quoting the prophet Isaiah: “Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore.” His message echoed a deep yearning not only for peace but for a moral awakening in global diplomacy.
The pope’s call is not rooted in political ambition, but in the Gospel itself. By urging the faithful and world leaders alike to reject “domination and revenge,” Pope Leo instead encouraged a commitment to “the path of dialogue, diplomacy, and peace…with determination.”
In a time of widespread disillusionment and bloodshed, Pope Leo XIV’s words ring out as both lament and call to action. His message is clear: only by choosing mercy over vengeance, and unity over division, can the world hope to heal the wounds caused by terrorism, war, and hatred.
