Pope Leo XIV has joined this morning in the Audience General to the joint statement of the Greek Orthodox and Latin Patriarchates of Jerusalem yesterday. The patriarchs called for an end to this spiral of violence of war, and to give priority to the common good of the people. In the same vein, the Holy Father made a "strong appeal" to the parties involved and to the international community for peace in the Holy Land, with "full respect for humanitarian law".
On August 22, I proposed a Day of fasting and prayer for our brothers and sisters who suffer because of wars, Pope Leo said before giving his blessing. Today "I once again make a strong appeal for an end to the conflict in the Holy Land, which has caused so much terror, destruction and death.
Release of hostages and permanent cease-fire
The Pontiff called for the release of all hostages, and for "a permanent cease-fire that facilitates the safe entry of humanitarian aid, and full respect for humanitarian law". In particular, the obligation of all parties involved to avoid the indiscriminate use of force, as well as forced population movements.
Let us implore Mary, Queen of Peace, source of consolation and hope, for her intercession, so that she may obtain reconciliation and peace in that land so dear to all of us, he concluded at the end of the Audience.
Theme for the World Day of Peace 2026
Pope Leo's words are completely in tune, as was to be expected, with the theme of the message made public yesterday by the Vatican for the World Day of Peace 2026which will take place on January 1st of next year. In the text, he invites humanity to reject the logic of violence and war, to embrace an authentic peace, based on love and justice.
"This peace must be unarmed, that is, not based on fear, threat or weapons; and disarming, because it is capable of resolving conflicts, opening hearts and generating trust, empathy and hope. It is not enough to invoke peace, it must be embodied in a lifestyle that rejects all forms of violence, visible or structural."
"The greeting of the Risen Christ, "Peace be with you" (cf. Jn 20:19), is an invitation addressed to all - believers, non-believers, political leaders and citizens - to build the Kingdom of God and to build together a humane and peaceful future", concludes the message made public yesterday.
To love and to give life freely
At today's Audience, the Pope has reflected on the theme "The betrayal. 'Whom seek ye?" (Jn 18:4), the moment when Jesus was arrested in the Garden of Olives.
The Gospel does not show us a fearful Jesus, who flees or hides," the Pope began. "On the contrary, it reveals to us a serene man who gives himself freely, thus manifesting the greatest love. In this gesture is embodied a hope of salvation for our humanity; it is the fact of knowing that, even in the darkest moments, we can be free to love to the end."
Precisely this freedom to love was the leitmotif of the Pope's meditation. "Jesus teaches us that Christian hope is not evasion, but commitment. This attitude is the fruit of deep prayer, in which we ask God for the strength to persevere and remain in love," he said.
He then reminded the Spanish-speaking pilgrims that "today we celebrate the liturgical feast of St. Monica and tomorrow that of her son, St. Augustine".
"Let us ask the Lord, through the intercession of these dear saints, that we may know - following the logic of the Gospel - how to love and give life freely and gratuitously, as Christ, our hope, did. May God bless them. Thank you very much.
In the darkness of trial, God's love sustains us
In life it is not necessary to have everything under control. "It is enough to choose every day to love freely," he stressed at another time.
"This is true hope: to know that, even in the darkness of trial, God's love sustains us and makes the fruit of eternal life ripen in us."
Looking to Christ with confidence
In his words to pilgrims of different languages, he referred to the same idea of freedom. For example, to the German-speaking pilgrims: "Let us pray to the Holy Spirit to grant us too, in situations of difficulty and suffering, the trust and inner freedom of Jesus, with which he gave himself to the good will of the Father and gave his life for us".
In closing, he addressed, as usual, "the young, the sick and the newlyweds. Look with unwavering trust to Christ, light in difficulties, support in trials and guide in every moment of human existence".
