By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
Pope Leo XIV Laments Global Conflicts, Says Pain of Victims Wounds Humanity
Pope Leo XIV has raised fresh concern over the human cost of ongoing conflicts across the world, warning that the suffering of innocent people is a burden shared by all humanity.
Speaking to pilgrims gathered at St. Peter’s Square during the traditional Angelus prayer on Sunday, the pontiff called for an immediate end to violence and urged global leaders to pursue peace through sincere dialogue and respect for human dignity.
He stressed that the pain endured by defenseless civilians should not be ignored, describing the deaths and destruction caused by wars as a tragedy that affects the entire human family.
According to him, the ongoing violence is a moral outrage that demands both prayer and action aimed at restoring peace.
In his reflection preceding the prayer, the pope drew from the biblical account of the raising of Lazarus, using it to highlight themes of renewal and hope.
He encouraged the faithful to break free from destructive patterns such as selfishness, materialism, and violence—forces he said leave people spiritually empty and disconnected.
The pontiff also cautioned against society’s growing obsession with fleeting pleasures, noting that the pursuit of fame, wealth, and constant novelty often comes at the expense of deeper values and relationships. Such pursuits, he said, cannot satisfy humanity’s deeper longing for meaning.
He concluded by urging believers to embrace a life rooted in love, compassion, and faith, expressing hope that renewed spiritual awareness would inspire individuals and nations alike to choose peace over conflict.
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