Pope Leo XIV demands peace: Our humanity is at stake!

Pope Leo XIV demands peace: Our humanity is at stake!

L’Aquila, Italien - Pope Leo XIV called in an urgent video message to terminate hatred and violence. On the occasion of the 34th benefit game Partita del Cuore, which took place in L’Aquila, he explained that "our humanity is at stake". The pope called for an armistice and emphasized, even in times of bombs and division, it was possible to meet each other. This message is seen as a continuation of his reminder for peace and reconciliation, which he has been actively pursuing since his election in May 2025. Four weeks ago he warned of a dangerous new dimension of modern wars and said: "We must not get used to the war!"

In his general audience, he spoke about the conflicts in Ukraine, Iran as well as in Israel and Gaza and described the "barbarism" there as unprecedented. Leo XIV pointed out that the use of highly developed weapons threatens humanity, and cited Pope Pius XII.: "Everything can be lost with the war." These urgent words are part of his extensive efforts to work for dialogue and waiver of violence.

The call for peace

At the first Sunday prayer, which Leo XIV stopped on St. Peter's Square, he called out tens of thousands of people: "Never again war!" The clear demand for permanent peace in Ukraine, a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the release of all Israeli hostages was a central topic in its message. Not to be forgotten is the latest ceasefire between India and Pakistan, which the Pope emphasized positively. These appearances illustrate his commitment to peace and dialogue between cultures and religions.

The explosiveness of his statements cannot be overlooked, especially at a time when conflicts often also have religious dimensions. According to the Federal Center for Political Education, religious civil wars, which rose from 3 % of all conflicts in 1975 to 55 % in 2015, have been a serious phenomenon. These conflicts are often characterized by high intensity of violence and an extended duration.

religious tensions and their influence on conflicts

An example of the instrumentalization of religion in conflicts is the Russian attack on Ukraine, which Patriarch Kirill of the Russian Orthodox Church justifies as a "Holy War". These tensions between Orthodox churches in Russia and Ukraine are deeply rooted and have further exacerbated since the invasion. A look at the conflict landscape shows that complex religious dynamics can also contribute to escalation in the Middle East, as the terrorist attack on Israel proves in October 2023 by Hamas.

The interplay of conflicts of religion and violence is complex, often with ideological framework and the legitimation of violence through religious norms. Politics and religious institutions can play an important role in the promotion of peace by supporting interreligious initiatives and enabling a differentiated analysis of the causes of conflicts. In order to prevent the instrumentalization of religions to violence, religious education and the promotion of a respectful dialogue are essential.