What does Pope Leo XIV say about Peace?

Quick answer

Peace has been a constant of Pope Leo XIV's messaging since his first words as pope, 'Peace be with you all'. He repeatedly appeals for ceasefires, humanitarian access and negotiation, offers the Holy See as a mediator, and links peace to justice, disarmament and care for migrants. His first World Day of Peace message (1 January 2026) urged the world to reject violence in all its forms.

Key positions

Immediate ceasefires and negotiated settlements in active wars.
Unhindered humanitarian access and protection of civilians.
The Holy See is available for quiet diplomacy and mediation.
Peace requires addressing root causes: inequality, exclusion and the arms trade.

Most important statements

First words as pope: 'Peace be with you all', with a call for a 'disarmed and disarming' peace.
May 8, 2025 · Loggia of St Peter's Basilica, Vatican · full speech
First World Day of Peace message: an appeal to reject violence in war-torn countries and within families.
January 1, 2026 · Vatican · full speech

Timeline of statements

May 8, 2025
'Peace be with you all' — first greeting
Dec 1, 2025
Message of peace during the visit to Lebanon
Jan 1, 2026
First World Day of Peace message

Key quotes

Peace be with you all.

May 8, 2025St Peter's Basilica, Vatican

The first words of Pope Leo XIV from the central loggia of St Peter's Basilica, moments after his election.

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From this speech →

Source: Vatican.va (Holy See), CNN

Related speeches

AddressMay 8, 2025Central Loggia of St Peter's Basilica, Vatican

First greeting and blessing Urbi et Orbi

Minutes after his election, Pope Leo XIV appeared on the central loggia of St Peter's. He greeted the world with 'Peace be with you all', paid tribute to Pope Francis, quoted St Augustine, greeted his former diocese of Chiclayo in Spanish, and imparted the blessing Urbi et Orbi.

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MessageJan 1, 2026Vatican

Message for the 59th World Day of Peace

In his first message for the World Day of Peace, marked on 1 January, Pope Leo XIV urged the world to reject violence and named wars, the arms trade and violence within families as obstacles to peace.

peace war artificial intelligence

AddressJan 12, 2026Sala Regia, Apostolic Palace, Vatican

Address to the Diplomatic Corps accredited to the Holy See

In the traditional 'state of the world' address to diplomats, Pope Leo XIV set out Holy See priorities: negotiated peace and disarmament, protection of migrants, climate commitments, religious freedom, and ethical rules for artificial intelligence.

peace migration climate change artificial intelligence

AddressNov 28, 2025İznik (ancient Nicaea), Türkiye

Ecumenical commemoration of the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea

At the site of the First Council of Nicaea, Pope Leo XIV and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I led a joint prayer marking 1,700 years since the council that produced the Nicene Creed, appealing for full unity among Christians and for peace.

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Related news

Frequently asked questions

Has Pope Leo XIV offered to mediate any conflict?

He has repeatedly stated that the Holy See is available to help facilitate dialogue and has made peace appeals a fixed feature of his Sunday addresses and major speeches.