Pope Leo XIV Urges Faithful to Reject Nationalism and Embrace Unity on Pentecost

VATICAN CITY : Marking his first month as pontiff, Pope Leo XIV used his Pentecost homily on Sunday to issue a powerful call for unity, compassion, and openness in a world increasingly divided by nationalism and exclusionary ideologies.

Addressing nearly 80,000 faithful gathered under sunny skies in St. Peter’s Square, the 69-year-old pope—formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost of Chicago—urged people to reject fear, prejudice, and social division. “The Church must open the borders between peoples and break down the barriers between class and race,” he said. “We must move beyond our fear of those who are different.”

Pope Leo did not name specific nations or leaders, but his message strongly echoed contemporary global concerns. By emphasizing a need to “open borders” in hearts and minds, his words indirectly challenged growing political nationalism and anti-immigrant rhetoric around the world.

“Where there is love, there is no room for prejudice,” Leo said. “No space for ‘security zones’ that separate us from our neighbors. No place for the exclusionary mindset that, tragically, is now rising in political nationalisms.”

Although he did not reference physical borders explicitly, the tone of his remarks evoked comparisons to policies like those of former U.S. President Donald Trump, who championed strict immigration measures and border walls.

The pope also warned of the destructive nature of unhealthy human relationships, citing the alarming rise in violence against women. “With great pain,” he said, “I think of those relationships marked by domination, suspicion, or manipulation—attitudes that all too often lead to violence, as shown tragically by recent cases of femicide.”

In Italy alone, several femicides have captured national headlines in recent weeks, including the shocking murder of a 14-year-old girl by her boyfriend.

Leo also voiced concern over the isolating effects of digital technology and social media. “We are constantly connected, yet incapable of truly ‘networking’,” he observed. “Always surrounded by a crowd, yet solitary and confused in our spiritual journey. This vortex of individualism is leading people to greater loneliness.”

Since his election on May 8, Pope Leo XIV has consistently emphasized themes of reconciliation, bridge-building, and inclusivity. He has offered to mediate between nations in conflict and earlier this week held his first phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin—an important step in potential peace efforts.

The Pentecost celebration, which concludes the Easter season, commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles and early followers of Jesus. Fittingly, Pope Leo described the Spirit as “the force that breaks barriers, tears down walls of indifference, and unites what is divided.”

Sunday’s homily further solidified Pope Leo’s vision for a Church that stands as a global voice for unity, peace, and justice in an age increasingly torn by division.