Pope Leo XIV delivered a powerful message on January 1, 2024, emphasizing the urgent need for global peace while condemning the irrationality of nuclear deterrence and the misuse of faith in political conflicts. This statement was part of his annual peace message, which the Vatican prepares in advance of the Catholic Church’s World Day of Peace.
During a press conference at the Vatican, Leo reflected on his inaugural words as pope, “Peace be with you,” and urged believers to reject the notion that fear and darkness are acceptable. He underscored that peace is not only desirable but achievable, calling out the influence of private economic interests that drive nations toward military advancements, including those powered by artificial intelligence.
In his address, Pope Leo XIV warned against the growing trend of intertwining religious language with political agendas. He stated, “Unfortunately, it has become increasingly common to drag the language of faith into political battles, to bless nationalism, and to justify violence and armed struggle in the name of religion.” The pope urged followers of all faiths to remain vigilant against the temptation to use religion as a justification for violence.
Witness Accounts Highlight the Impact of Violence
To illustrate the human cost of conflict and political violence, the Vatican press conference featured harrowing testimonies from individuals affected by past atrocities in Europe.
Maria Agnese Moro, whose father, former Italian Premier Aldo Moro, was kidnapped and killed by the Red Brigades in 1978, shared her journey towards restorative justice. She recounted a facilitated dialogue she had fifteen years ago with members of the Red Brigades, allowing both parties to express their pain and recognize each other’s humanity. “Every word I say hurts them, but it recognizes their humanity,” Moro explained, emphasizing the importance of mutual understanding and dialogue.
Rev Pero Miličević, a Croatian Catholic priest, recounted a traumatic event from 1993 when a Muslim unit of the Bosnian army attacked his village, resulting in the deaths of 39 people, including his father and several relatives. He described the subsequent imprisonment of his family in a war camp for seven months. Miličević expressed that their Catholic faith was crucial for survival during these harrowing times. “Precisely that education in faith in God helped us to overcome the horrors of what we witnessed,” he stated, highlighting the importance of peace and forgiveness.
Pope Leo XIV’s message was translated into eight languages, including Russian and Ukrainian, in recognition of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
As the world embarks on a new year, the pope’s call for peace serves as a poignant reminder of the responsibilities that come with faith and the need for dialogue over division. His insistence on seeing peace as a realistic goal challenges believers worldwide to confront the darker tendencies of humanity with compassion and understanding.
