Pope Leo XIV Prays for Peace Amid Global Conflicts at Castel Gandolfo

Castel Gandolfo, Italy – In the peaceful setting of the papal estate at Castel Gandolfo, Pope Leo XIV fervently prayed on Friday for a peaceful resolution to the "increasingly deafening violence" prevalent in conflicts worldwide. This moment of reflection coincided with a crucial US-Russia summit addressing the war in Ukraine.

Notably, Pope Leo XIV, the first American to hold the papal office, did not directly reference the Alaska meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Yet, his consistent pleas for dialogue and conflict resolution have been underscored in his previous interactions with both Putin and the Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

During his address, Pope Leo reminded the faithful that the August 15 celebration of the Virgin Mary was declared a dogma by Pope Pius XII amidst the turmoil of World War II.

“Pius hoped for an end to the devastation of war upon humanity,” Leo stated. “How poignant are his words today? Sadly, we still witness violence that is indifferent to humanity’s cries.” He continued to appeal for hope and a peaceful future.

“We must reject the dominance of armed conflict logic,” he urged.

Other prominent religious figures also shared prayers for peace. Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, guiding the world’s Orthodox Christians spiritually, prayed for a positive outcome from the US-Russia summit while visiting Gokceada, Turkey, a place of personal significance.

“May the leaders coming together in Alaska find paths to peace, cease the bloodshed, and let reason and justice reign,” Bartholomew said. “The world has room for everyone; we must not resort to killing.” His visit marked an important feast day on the Orthodox calendar, celebrating the Virgin Mary.

Pope Leo delivered his message from the main piazza of Castel Gandolfo, a serene hilltown south of Rome, cherished for its tranquil papal retreat overlooking Lake Alban. Extending his stay twice, Leo found solace here amidst the summer's heat.

In this locale, Leo had a significant meeting with Zelenskyy on July 9. Conversations with Putin had also taken place earlier, with the Vatican disclosing that Leo had urged for Russia's conciliatory gestures and emphasized dialogue's role in bridging conflicting parties.

As he arrived at Castel Gandolfo earlier that week, Pope Leo expressed hope that the Trump-Putin discussions might lead to a cease-fire, highlighting the enduring toll of war with no clear resolution.

Approaching his 100th day in papacy, Pope Leo plans to remain at the villa for the weekend, taking time on Sunday for luncheon with the impoverished community of the Albano diocese. He is expected to conclude his six-week summer retreat, marked by key Vatican ceremonies like the recent Holy Year festivities, upon returning on Tuesday.

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