Vatican City: During a heartfelt address to participants of the “Arena of Peace” initiative, Pope Leo XIV emphasized that true peace is not merely the absence of conflict but the presence of systems and structures designed to nurture justice, solidarity, and dialogue. Drawing inspiration from both the Gospel and the Church’s social teachings, the Pope framed these as enduring guides for Christians and humanity alike in the challenging work of peacebuilding.
The Pope welcomed over 300 members from civic groups, social movements, and associations who were previously involved in the 2024 Arena of Peace, held in Verona. This Vatican gathering was intended as a reciprocal moment of dialogue—following Pope Francis’ participation last year—and as a step toward revitalizing Verona’s tradition of offering a platform for public discourse on Catholic social doctrine.
Pope Leo echoed Pope Francis’ call to begin peace efforts by walking with the afflicted and understanding life from the vantage point of victims. This posture, he stressed, is the first step in transforming mindsets, dismantling harmful ideologies, and exposing the systemic injustices that fuel conflict and dehumanization.
One moving example cited by the Pope was that of an Israeli and a Palestinian—both of whom had lost family members to violence in Gaza—who chose friendship over hatred. “Their embrace,” he said, “is a powerful symbol of what is possible when people refuse to be imprisoned by past wounds and instead act as witnesses to reconciliation.”
Pope Leo underscored that peace can only grow in minds and hearts trained in empathy, cooperation, and commitment to the common good. He praised the Arena of Peace participants for their real-world initiatives, describing their work as “a wellspring of hope” that brings theory into action in the service of humanity.
Turning his focus to the next generation, the Pope warned of the normalization of violence in today's societies and stressed the need to immerse young people in cultures of life, respect, and dialogue. He called for them to be shaped by examples of non-retaliation, compassion, and constructive resistance—qualities that define credible peacebuilders.
Non-violence, according to Pope Leo, is not merely a strategy, but a way of living. It must be visible in the decisions we make, the relationships we nurture, and the actions we take daily. The Church’s social doctrine and the message of the Gospel offer both clarity and encouragement in this mission, guiding not only Christians but all people toward a more just and harmonious world.
In a powerful conclusion, the Pope proclaimed, “If you desire peace, then build institutions that foster peace.” He clarified that peacebuilding extends beyond diplomacy or governance—it involves education systems, economic models, and social structures that reflect unity and justice. He urged participants to continue their engagement, to be present in the currents of history as agents of unity, and to embody the spirit of fraternity. This fraternity, he said, is not merely an ideal but a lived reality made possible through divine love—“poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit.”
Pope Leo’s message was both a spiritual call and a practical roadmap: peace requires formation, commitment, and above all, the courage to build systems rooted in mercy, justice, and human dignity.