Church’s Heart Torn by Cries from War Zones Says Leo XIV

Vatican City: Pope Leo XVI on Wednesday expressed dismay at the death and devastation being caused by war around the world and reiterated his appeal for peace. “The heart of the Church is torn by the cries rising from the places of war, especially Ukraine, Iran, Israel and Gaza,” the American pontiff said at the end of his weekly general audience.

According to Ansa News Agency, Pope Leo XVI emphasized the need for global society to not become desensitized to the horrors of war. He urged people to reject the allure of powerful and sophisticated armaments, describing them as a temptation. In his appeal to human dignity and international law, he recalled the words of Pope Francis, reminding those in power that “war is always a defeat.”

The pontiff further referenced the sentiments of Pope Pius XII, who once said, “Nothing is lost with peace, everything can be lost with war.” His message was a clear call to action for peace and reconciliation, urging world leaders to prioritize dialogue over conflict in the ongoing war-torn regions.