Holy Father Advocates For World Peace Amidst Global Tensions.

Vatican City; December 2025: On Wednesday, Pope Leo XIV appealed for an immediate end to the renewed hostilities on the Thai-Cambodian border, where recent clashes have caused casualties, including civilians, and forced thousands to flee their homes. Addressing the faithful gathered for the General Audience, the Pope expressed his “deep sorrow” at the reports emerging from the region.

“I am deeply saddened by the news of the renewed conflict along the border between Thailand and Cambodia. There have been casualties, including among civilians, and thousands of people have been forced to leave their homes. I express my closeness in prayer to these dear peoples“.

The violence marks the latest flare-up in a decades-long border dispute, in which contested sections of territory particularly areas surrounding culturally significant temple sites, have periodically triggered exchanges of fire between the two nations. While past efforts at arbitration and regional diplomacy have sought to stabilise the frontier, ceasefires have often proved fragile, leaving local communities repeatedly caught in the crossfire.

Furthermore, while commenting on what he has seen of the U.S. President’s peace plan for Ukraine, Pope Leo said it appears that “unfortunately” what was for many years a “true” alliance between Europe and the United States could undergo a huge change. The Pope declined to comment on the peace plan proposed by the Trump administration. He however, said, “Unfortunately, I believe that some aspects of what I have seen would bring about a huge change in what has, for many, many years, been a true alliance between Europe and the United States. Remarks that are made about Europe, also in interviews recently, I think, are trying to break apart what I think needs to be a very important alliance today and, in the future”.

Pointing out that the U.S. President and his advisers have the right to put together a proposal, he said he believes “it has a number of things in it that perhaps many people in the United States would be in agreement, while I think many others would see things in a different way”. Asked about the role of the Holy See in bringing back abducted children from Ukraine, the Pope confirmed he had discussed that issue with the Ukrainian leader.

“Most of the work that’s going on, which is very slow, unfortunately, but is done, if you will, behind the scenes”, he said. And he affirmed that the Holy See continues to work on that: “to try and get those children back to their homes, to their families”.

In answers to Italian-speaking journalists, Pope Leo confirmed that “the Holy See is available to provide space and opportunities for talks and negotiations; so far, the offer has not been accepted, but we remain willing to seek a solution and a peace that is both lasting and just”.

Regarding Ukrainian President Zelensky’s renewed invitation to visit Ukraine which has been described by the President on his “X Handle” as “a strong signal of support for the population”, the Pope while responding: “I hope so, though I don’t know when. One must also be realistic in these matters; perhaps it will be possible”.

On the role of Europe in the peace process, that has been put into doubt by President Trump, the Pope recalled that he had already addressed this issue on the return flight from Beirut to Rome during his recent apostolic journey. “I believe Europe’s role is very important, and the unity of European countries is truly significant, especially in this case. Trying to reach a peace agreement without including Europe in the discussions is not realistic. The war is in Europe, and I believe that Europe must be part of the security guarantees sought today, and in the future”.

He further asserted, “Unfortunately, not everyone understands this, but I believe there is a great opportunity for the idea of Europe to come together and seek solutions collectively”.

Reflecting on his travels to Türkiye and Lebanon, Pope Leo described his visit to the Blue Mosque as experienced “in silence, in a spirit of recollection and listening, with deep respect for the place and the faith of those gathered there in prayer”, as reported by the Holy See Press Office at the time.

To the question about why he had not prayed as “visibly” as his predecessors had, he said: “Who said I didn’t pray? They said I didn’t, but I already explained on the plane, I mentioned a book (‘The Practice of the Presence of God’ by Brother Lawrence), and perhaps I am praying even now”. The Pope added that his preferred place of prayer was “in a Catholic Church in the presence of the Most Blessed Sacrament”, describing reports about that particular moment in the mosque as “curious”.

Team Maverick.