Pope Leo XIV delivered a powerful message on December 28, 2023, condemning the dangers of nuclear deterrence and the misuse of faith in political conflicts. Speaking at a press conference in Vatican City, he emphasized the necessity of peace and the perilous trend of intertwining religion with military agendas.
In his inaugural peace message, prepared for the Catholic Church’s World Day of Peace on January 1, Leo urged believers to reject the normalization of fear and violence. He criticized the influence of private economic interests that propel nations toward military advancements, particularly those enhanced by artificial intelligence. The Pope described this trajectory as a breeding ground for “irrationality” in military strategies.
He specifically called on followers of all faiths to resist the urge to weaponize religion, noting how the language of faith is often co-opted to justify nationalism and violence. “Unfortunately, it has become increasingly common to drag the language of faith into political battles,” he stated, underlining the moral responsibility of religious leaders to promote peace instead of conflict.
Reflecting on his earlier words as pope, when he declared “Peace be with you” from the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica on May 8, he reiterated that true peace is not just a possibility but a necessary goal for humanity. To further illustrate the devastating impact of war, the press conference featured poignant testimonies from individuals affected by past conflicts in Europe, including the Bosnian War and domestic terrorism in Italy.
Maria Agnese Moro, whose father, former Italian Premier Aldo Moro, was kidnapped and killed in 1978 by the Red Brigades, shared her journey of healing through restorative justice. She recounted a facilitated dialogue she participated in fifteen years ago with members of the Red Brigades, emphasizing the importance of recognizing each other’s humanity amidst pain. “True listening is a mutual recognition of humanity,” she commented, highlighting the transformative power of empathy.
Additionally, Rev Pero Miličević, a Croatian Catholic priest, recounted a tragic event from 1993 when a Muslim unit attacked his village, resulting in the deaths of 39 people, including his father and several relatives. He described the harrowing experience of his family being imprisoned for seven months in a war camp. Miličević emphasized that their Catholic faith provided essential support during their ordeal, fostering a deep understanding of peace and forgiveness. “Precisely that education in faith in God helped us to overcome the horrors of what we witnessed,” he reflected.
The Pope’s message, which was translated into eight languages, including Russian and Ukrainian, underscores the Vatican’s commitment to addressing current global conflicts, particularly in light of the ongoing war involving Moscow. As he concluded his address, Leo reiterated the call for peace, urging leaders and believers alike to prioritize dialogue over division in a world that often resorts to violence.
