On Wednesday, Pope Leo XIV, the first American to lead the Catholic Church, pledged to make every effort to achieve peace and offered the Vatican as a mediator in global conflicts, stating that war is never inevitable.

Since his election last week, succeeding the late Pope Francis, Pope Leo XIV has repeatedly called for peace in his first days in office. His first words to the crowds in St. Peter’s Square were "Peace be upon you all."

Peace Efforts & Address to Eastern Catholic Churches

The issue of peace emerged again during the Pope’s conversation with members of Eastern Catholic Churches, some of which are located in conflict-ridden regions such as Ukraine, Syria, Lebanon, and Iraq, where they often face persecution as religious minorities.

Pope Leo XIV stated:

"War is never inevitable. Weapons can—and must—fall silent, because they do not solve problems; they only worsen them. History will remember those who plant peace, not those who harvest the souls of victims."

He added, "Our neighbors are not our enemies… they are our brothers in humanity."

Calls for Peace in Ukraine & Gaza

On Sunday, Pope Leo XIV called for "true and lasting peace" in Ukraine, as well as for a ceasefire in Gaza.