This Sunday, August 15, the Pope did not mention any of the countries at war as he often does after praying the midday Angelus. However, two days ago, when he arrived for another brief stint in Castel Gandolfo, he briefly spoke to reporters about the situation.
Vatican News reported on the encounter:
When asked what he expects from the summit scheduled for this August 15 between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, Leo XIV replied:
“We must always seek a ceasefire. The violence, the many deaths, must stop. Let’s see how they can come to an agreement. Because after all this time, what is the purpose of war? We must always seek dialogue, diplomatic efforts, not violence, not weapons.”
Gaza - hostages and starvation
The Pope was also asked if he is concerned about the possibility of the population of Gaza being taken over by Israel.
The Pope said: “Very much (concerned). The humanitarian crisis must be resolved. We cannot go on like this. We know the violence of terrorism, and we honor the many who have died, as well as the hostages — they must be freed. But we must also think of the many who are dying of hunger.”
Nothing solved by war
The journalists asked the Pope if the Holy See is working to stop the wars.
“The Holy See cannot stop them... but we are working, let’s say, on ‘soft diplomacy,’ always inviting, encouraging the pursuit of nonviolence through dialogue and seeking solutions — because these problems cannot be solved by war.”
Peaceful hearts
