At Castel Gandolfo, Pope Leo XIV answers journalists’ questions outside Villa Barberini. He describes his upcoming apostolic journey to Türkiye and Lebanon as a trip marked by hope and peace. On Ukraine and the Middle East, he urges always seeking dialogue to end war. Regarding efforts to stop violence against women on the day dedicated to the issue, he says that mentalities must change beginning with the education of young people.
Vatican News
In response to the first question asked by journalists, Pope Leo said “I am very happy to be able to visit Lebanon.” Forty-eight hours before he is to embark on his first apostolic journey, to Türkiye and Lebanon, the Pope was in Castel Gandolfo for his weekly day of rest but also work. And as he did last Tuesday, he answered questions from reporters gathered along the road together with various faithful who greet him.
Referring to his first apostolic journey to the two Middle Eastern countries, which will also include a stop in İznik for the 1,700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea, the Pope underscored that the message he will bring is one of peace and hope, especially in this Jubilee of Hope. “I will be very happy,” he adds, “to greet all the people.” He noted that the trip was conceived to celebrate this anniversary. “Days ago,” the Pope recalled, “we published a document speaking precisely about the importance of unity in faith, which can also be a source of peace for the whole world. We must give witness.” He then recalled his meetings with the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, Bartholomew. “I think it will be an exceptional opportunity to promote unity among all Christians.”
Weapons are not the answer
Regarding Israel’s bombings of Hezbollah neighborhoods in Beirut, Leo XIV said it is of serious cause for concern. He then made an appeal, urging everyone to find ways to abandon the use of weapons as a means of solving problems. He called on all to respect one another, “to come together to respect one another, to sit down together at the table to dialogue and to work together for solutions for the problems that affect us.” He says we need to encourage all people to seek peace, referring to Israel and Hezbollah, “to look for justice because often times violence occurs as a result of injustices” so that all must “work together to look for greater unity, respect for all people and all religions.”
People are still dying in Ukraine
Questions turned then to the latest news. The Pope reflected on Ukraine at war for three years at a time when the peace plan proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump is being discussed. “We must wait; thank God they are working (for peace), thank God,” Pope Leo continued, “it seems they are getting closer. In dialogue there are various problems, but I would in any case like to invite everyone to a ceasefire, because so many are still dying.” He again promoted dialogue as the path to a solution.
A new mentality
Regarding the tragedy of violence against women, on today’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, he said that “we must begin with the formation of young people,” because “every person deserves respect” and every human being has dignity. His appealed for an end to violence, which often affects young people as well, and to create “a different mentality.” “We must be people of peace who wish good for everyone.”
Giving thanks to God
In conclusion, he answered a reporter’s question about how he, as an American, will observe Thanksgiving Day, which will fall during his trip. “I would encourage all people especially with this beautiful feast that we have in the United States, which unites all people, people of different faiths, people who perhaps do not have the gift of faith, but to say thank you to someone, to recognize that we all have received so many gifts, first and foremost the gift of life, the gift of faith, the gift of unity, to encourage all people to try and promote peace and harmony and to give thanks to God for the many gifts we’ve been given.”
