Pope Leo XIV Calls for Peace, Echoing Pius XII’s Historic Appeal Amid Current Global Tensions
By Andrea Tornielli
During his General Audience on Wednesday, Pope Leo XIV made a powerful call for peace, reflecting on the urgent plea issued by Pope Pius XII just days before World War II. In a poignant reminder of the consequences of conflict, Leo XIV recited Pius XII’s emphatic words: "Nothing is lost with peace. All may be lost with war."
Pope Pius XII delivered his striking message on August 24, 1939, amid apprehension over the newly signed Nazi-Soviet Pact, a harbinger of the imminent global conflict. In his address from Castel Gandolfo, he stressed that “it is by the force of reason, not the force of arms, that justice makes its way.” He cautioned that "empires not founded on justice are not blessed by God," urging nations to prioritize diplomacy over military action.
Despite Pius’ heartfelt appeal, his call for negotiations went unheard—less than a week later, Germany invaded Poland, igniting the Second World War. By invoking this historical context, Pope Leo XIV reminds the world of the continuing relevance of Pius XII’s words during today’s unsettling times marked by violence and division.
Emphasizing a return to mutual understanding, Leo XIV underscored the necessity of dialogue, stating that the path to peace demands "courage, conscience, and commitment.” His call serves as both a somber reminder of the past and an urgent plea for a future rooted in cooperation rather than conflict. As geopolitical tensions rise, the Pope invites all to consider that, once again, the choice between peace and war remains open.
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