Pope Leo XIV caresses somewhat woman as he arrives to rejoice a Mass for the Jubilee of New Spiritual Associations on Pentecost Day in St. Peter’s Sq. on the Vatican, Sunday, June 8, 2025.
Andrew Medichini/AP
disguise caption
toggle caption
Andrew Medichini/AP
VATICAN CITY — Pope Leo XIV criticized the surge of nationalist political actions on the planet as he prayed Sunday for reconciliation and dialogue — a message in step with his pledges to make the Catholic Church an emblem of peace.
The pope celebrated Sunday Mass in St. Peter’s Sq. in entrance of tens of hundreds devoted, and requested the Holy Spirit to “break down boundaries and tear down the partitions of indifference and hatred.”
“The place there may be love, there is no such thing as a room for prejudice, for ‘safety’ zones separating us from our neighbors, for the exclusionary mindset that, tragically, we now see rising additionally in political nationalisms,” the primary American pontiff mentioned.
He didn’t title any particular nation or politician.
Leo additionally recalled the phrases of late Pope Francis, who — on the feast of Pentecost in Could 2023 — noticed that in our world “we’re all linked, but discover ourselves disconnected from each other, anaesthetized by indifference and overwhelmed by solitude.”
The pope additionally condemned wars, which “are plaguing our world,” and requested the Holy Spirit for “the present of peace.”
“Initially, peace in our hearts, for under a peaceable coronary heart can unfold peace within the household, society and worldwide relations,” Leo mentioned, then prayed for reconciliation and dialogue wherever there may be warfare on the planet.
Quickly after changing into pope, Leo pledged to work for unity and peace. His first message, “Peace be with you all,” set the significance of peace as a pillar of his papacy.
He has additionally appealed for a real and simply peace in Ukraine and a ceasefire in Gaza.
