Pope Leo XIV Condemns Holy Wars as Unjustifiable
The Pope stated that there is no such thing as a holy war and emphasized that only peace is truly sacred.
Pope Leo XIV has condemned the notion that wars can be justified by religious reasons, stating categorically that there is no such thing as a holy war. This assertion was made in a video message to a gathering of spiritual leaders from various faiths held in Assisi, Italy.
The Pope's words were broadcast to delegates who had assembled at the Italian hilltop town to commemorate the 40th anniversary of an interfaith peace meeting initiated by his predecessor, St. John Paul II. The event, which sparked controversy due to its inclusive nature and featured leaders from different faiths praying together, has since inspired a movement promoting interreligious dialogue and peaceful coexistence.
The Pope's message was particularly poignant given the current global conflict landscape, where wars are often justified as holy struggles by various factions. In his video address, Leo emphasized that only peace is truly sacred and called for an end to the cycle of violence fueled by religious extremism.
The gathering in Assisi brought together leaders from the Anglican Communion, Islam, Buddhism, and other Christian denominations, including Archbishop Sarah Mullally, spiritual leader of the worldwide Anglican Communion.
The Pope's message to religious leaders emphasized the need for a renewed focus on peace and spirituality in times marked by a culture of power.
He denounced the recent trend of war being used as an instrument of international politics, criticizing leaders who justify their actions with religious rhetoric.
This criticism comes as various faiths have been invoked to legitimize military conflicts, including Russia's invasion of Ukraine, where its Orthodox Church has described it as a "holy war" against a perceived evil Western influence.
Leaders on all sides of the Iran conflict have similarly used religion to justify their actions, with some U.S. officials invoking their Christian faith to cast the war as a righteous endeavor.
The Vatican is intensifying its humanitarian efforts in Ukraine following a localized cease-fire in the devastated southern city of Oleshky. As part of this effort, Monsignor Luis Marín de San Martín, the pope's chief almsgiver, has begun a three-day visit to Ukraine, bringing several trucks loaded with essential supplies such as winter clothes, blankets, and food.
During his trip, Marín de San Martín plans to visit key cities including Kyiv, Zaporizhzhia, Dnipro, and Fastiv. According to Vatican News, the primary goal of this mission is to directly assess the needs of the local population and establish a personal connection with them. This approach underscores the Vatican's commitment to providing targeted support.
The humanitarian initiative has been prompted by Pope Leo's previous calls for a cease-fire in Oleshky, as well as the urgent need for food and medicine in the area. In an October 16 phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, initiated from his hospital bed while recovering from surgery, the pontiff had specifically requested the safe evacuation of Oleshky residents.
The Vatican's humanitarian efforts are focused on providing tangible support to those affected by the conflict, rather than taking a stance on the broader geopolitical issues at play. As part of this approach, Marín de San Martín aims to convey the Holy Father's concern and compassion directly to those in need.
The Vatican has continued to actively engage in efforts to bring relief to civilians affected by the conflict between Ukraine and Russia. Following a visit to Moscow by Italian Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, who serves as the papal envoy for the war-torn region, the Holy See has taken steps to facilitate humanitarian aid.
Leo's representatives have been in contact with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian leader Vladimir Putin, appealing for a ceasefire. The Vatican hopes that cooperation between the two parties will enable the delivery of essential supplies, including food and medical aid, as well as the safe evacuation of civilians from affected areas.
As part of this approach, Marín de San Martín aims to convey the Holy Father's concern and compassion directly to those in need.
Facts based on reporting originally published by ABC News International.
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