Pope Leo XIV Calls for Peace, Says Suffering of Innocents “Hurts All Humanity”

Vatican, March 2026 : Pope Leo XIV on Sunday expressed deep anguish over ongoing conflicts across the world, urging an immediate end to violence and calling for peace rooted in dialogue and respect for human dignity.

Speaking after the Angelus prayer on March 22, the pontiff said the pain endured by innocent civilians in war zones is not confined to specific regions but affects all of humanity. “We cannot remain silent in the face of the suffering of so many defenceless people who are victims of these conflicts. What hurts them hurts all of humanity,” he said.

Describing the loss of lives and widespread destruction as a moral outrage, he added that the death and suffering caused by wars are “a scandal for the entire human family” and a cry that reaches God. Renewing his appeal, he urged people across the world to persevere in prayer and work collectively toward ending hostilities. He emphasised that lasting peace can only be achieved through sincere dialogue and by upholding the dignity of every human being.

Earlier in his address, Pope Leo XIV reflected on the Gospel account of the raising of Lazarus, presenting it as a powerful symbol of Christ’s victory over death and a reminder of the promise of eternal life through faith. He said the story invites believers to confront their inner struggles and free themselves from negative patterns of thought and behaviour.

The pope warned that individuals often become trapped in what he described as the “tomb” of selfishness, materialism, violence, and superficiality. Such conditions, he noted, lead not to fulfilment but to confusion, dissatisfaction, and loneliness. Drawing on the Gospel, he recalled Jesus’ call to “Come out!”—urging people to break free from these limitations and embrace a life guided by love, hope, and compassion.

He further observed that modern society appears to be constantly chasing novelty and change, often at the cost of deeper values such as relationships, time, and moral integrity. According to him, the pursuit of fame, material possessions, and fleeting pleasures cannot satisfy the deeper longing within the human heart.

“This is a sign of the infinite desire within us,” he explained, adding that no finite or temporary thing can truly fulfil human aspirations. He stressed that people are ultimately made for a higher purpose and can only find true peace by reconnecting with spiritual values.

Concluding his message, the pope entrusted the faithful to the care of the Virgin Mary and prayed that people may experience a renewed encounter with the risen Christ in their daily lives, inspiring them to live with faith, hope, and love.

This story was first published by ACI Stampa, the Italian-language sister service of EWTN News. It has been translated and adapted by Mavericknews30.com.