Pope Leo XIV is calling for an urgent end to the wars and humanitarian crises gripping Ukraine and Gaza, urging world leaders to choose dialogue over violence. Speaking with reporters upon his arrival at the Villa Barberini in Castel Gandolfo on August 13, the Pope appealed for “ceasefire” and “diplomatic efforts, not violence, not weapons” in the ongoing war in Ukraine, according to Vatican News.
The Holy Father’s comments came just days before a planned August 15 meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. “We must always seek a ceasefire. The violence, the many deaths, must stop. Let’s see how they can come to an agreement. Because after all this time, what is the purpose of war?” he said, noting that armed conflict cannot bring lasting solutions.
Turning to the dire situation in Gaza, the Pope expressed deep concern over both the violence and the unfolding famine. “The humanitarian crisis must be resolved. We cannot go on like this,” he said. While honoring the memory of victims of terrorism and calling for the release of Israeli hostages, he urged the world to also “think of the many who are dying of hunger.”
When asked about the Vatican’s role in addressing these crises, Pope Leo described the Holy See’s “soft diplomacy” — persistent, behind-the-scenes work that “always invites, encourages the pursuit of nonviolence through dialogue,” because, as he emphasized, “these problems cannot be solved by war” (Vatican News).
Earlier that morning during his General Audience, the Pope encouraged the faithful to “plead with God to grant peace to all peoples who are experiencing the tragedy of war,” drawing inspiration from Saint Maximilian Kolbe’s sacrifice at Auschwitz.
The Pope’s summer stay at Castel Gandolfo will include major liturgical celebrations, including Mass for the Feast of the Assumption on August 15 and an Angelus address in Piazza della Libertà. On August 17, he will celebrate Mass at Santa Maria della Rotonda in Albano Laziale with the poor assisted by Caritas, followed by lunch at Borgo Laudato Si’.
In each of these public moments, Pope Leo XIV is using both his presence and his words to remind the world that peace is not the fruit of force, but of prayer, dialogue, and the protection of human dignity.
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.
