Pope Leo XIV has urged world leaders to settle disputes through dialogue rather than violence, calling on people to resolve conflicts with wisdom instead of brutality.
The pontiff made the appeal on Friday while addressing cardinals gathered at the Vatican for a closed door meeting known as a consistory. The assembly, which began on Friday and ends on Saturday, is focused on discussing major issues affecting the Catholic Church across the world.
The meeting opened with a Mass celebrated by the US born Pope at St Peter’s Basilica. His repeated calls for peace have drawn criticism from United States President Donald Trump.
During his homily, Pope Leo lamented the growing tensions and conflicts affecting nations, saying the continued violence has caused deep suffering for humanity.
He stressed that war can never be considered worthy of mankind or receive God’s blessing, regardless of the sophistication of modern weapons.
According to the Pope, although humanity possesses advanced military technology, God has also given people intelligence and free will to settle disagreements in a humane and peaceful manner rather than behaving like beasts.
The gathering marks the second time Pope Leo has brought together all 241 cardinals from around the world since he was elected head of the Catholic Church in May 2025.
The regular meetings are gradually becoming an important part of his leadership style, reflecting his desire to strengthen unity and encourage greater collaboration among the Church’s senior leaders.
Activities scheduled for the two day gathering include prayers, workshops and plenary discussions on issues facing the global Catholic community.
Speaking about the significance of the meeting, Cardinal Jean Paul Vesco, Archbishop of Algiers, said the gathering would provide an opportunity for genuine interaction among the cardinals.
He explained that Pope Leo wants members of the College of Cardinals to know one another better and work more closely together, expressing confidence that regular meetings would strengthen unity within the Church.
