At his Sunday Angelus on September 21, Pope Leo XIV once again lifted his voice for peace in the Holy Land, urging the faithful to recognize that violence and revenge can never bring a true future of hope.
“Together with you and with the pastors of the churches in the Holy Land, I repeat: There is no future based on violence, forced exile, or revenge. The people need peace; those who truly love them work for peace,” the Pope said, according to Catholic News Agency.
The Holy Father associated himself with Catholic associations providing aid to Gaza’s civilians, commending their witness of solidarity. “Dear friends, I appreciate your initiative and the many others throughout the Church that express closeness to our brothers and sisters suffering in that tormented land,” he remarked, according to Vatican News.
A Gospel Challenge on Stewardship
Before leading the Marian prayer, Pope Leo reflected on the Gospel passage of the unjust steward, highlighting the deeper responsibility Christians have in the way they use material goods and the gift of life itself.
“We are not the masters of our lives or of the goods we enjoy; everything has been given to us as a gift by the Lord,” he reminded pilgrims, “who has entrusted this to our care, our freedom, and our responsibility” (Catholic News Agency).
The Pope warned that serving wealth instead of God isolates the human heart and “spreads the poison of competition.” He invited the faithful instead to see all things as gifts, to be shared generously: “We can recognize everything we have as a gift from God, to be managed and used as an instrument for sharing — to create networks of friendship and solidarity, to work for the common good, and to build a world that is more just, equitable, and fraternal” (Catholic News Agency).
Prayers for Gaza Amid Continuing Suffering
The Holy Father’s appeal came against the backdrop of ongoing violence in Gaza. According to Vatican News, at least 60 Palestinians were killed in a recent Israeli offensive, with reports of mass displacement and destruction across Gaza City. The United Nations and humanitarian organizations continue to warn of catastrophic conditions for civilians, with tens of thousands killed since the war began two years ago.
Pope Leo responded by renewing his consistent call for peace, recalling God’s commandment: “Thou shalt not kill.” He insisted, “Every human person has an inviolable dignity which must be respected and protected” (Vatican News). He also urged world leaders to embrace a diplomatic path, stressing the urgent need for “a ceasefire, the release of hostages, a negotiated diplomatic solution, and full respected international humanitarian law” (Vatican News).
“You Cannot Serve Both God and Wealth”
Later in the day, while celebrating Mass at the Parish of St. Anne within Vatican City, Pope Leo returned to the theme of Christian discipleship, emphasizing Jesus’ words: “No servant can serve two masters… you cannot serve both God and wealth.”
“Those who serve God become free from wealth, but those who serve wealth remain its slaves,” he explained, warning that nations too can fall prey to greed. “Those who seek justice transform wealth into the common good; those who seek domination transform the common good into the prey of their own greed” (Catholic News Agency).
A Catholic Witness for Peace
Pope Leo’s Angelus message was both a pastoral encouragement and a prophetic challenge. He praised those working tirelessly to aid Gaza’s people, while also calling all Christians to live lives of stewardship, solidarity, and justice. His words underscored the truth at the heart of Catholic social teaching: that peace is inseparable from the recognition of human dignity and the proper use of God’s gifts.
As the Pope concluded, “Peoples need peace… those who truly love them work for peace” (Vatican News).
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.
