At the conclusion of Mass in St. Peter’s Square on World Mission Sunday, Pope Leo XIV made a heartfelt plea for peace amid ongoing violence in Myanmar and other regions ravaged by war.
According to Vatican News, the Holy Father described reports from Myanmar as “distressing,” lamenting that “armed clashes and aerial bombardments” have continued to harm civilians and destroy critical infrastructure. The nation has been gripped by violent conflict since May 2021, following a military coup that triggered widespread fighting and humanitarian crisis.
“I renew my heartfelt appeal for an immediate and effective ceasefire,” Pope Leo said, urging all parties to abandon weapons and embrace dialogue. “May the instruments of war give way to those of peace through inclusive and constructive dialogue!” he added, according to Vatican News.
The Pope extended his prayers beyond Myanmar, lifting up intentions for the Holy Land, Ukraine, and “other places afflicted by war.” His appeal comes at a time when global attention is divided among multiple ongoing crises, yet his message remains centered on the same Christian hope for reconciliation. “May God grant all leaders wisdom and perseverance to advance in the pursuit of a just and lasting peace,” he said.
In addition to his peace appeal, Pope Leo reflected on the missionary heart of the Church in his remarks before the Angelus. “The Church is entirely missionary,” he said, reminding Catholics that every believer shares in the mission of spreading the Gospel. He praised those who dedicate their lives to this call: “We pray especially for those men and women who have left everything to bring the Gospel to those who do not yet know it. They are missionaries of hope among the nations. May the Lord bless them!”
World Mission Sunday, celebrated annually on the third Sunday of October, highlights the universal call to evangelization. Pope Leo’s message this year wove together that missionary spirit with an urgent call to peacemaking—urging all Catholics to pray, act, and hope for a world transformed by dialogue and mercy.
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