Castel Gandolfo: Pope Leo expressed cautious optimism about the possibility of peace in Ukraine, reminding the world that both prayer and tireless effort are needed to end the ongoing war. Speaking to journalists late Tuesday night as he returned to the Vatican after a period of rest in Castel Gandolfo, the Holy Father said, “There is hope, but we must work and pray sincerely, and keep seeking the path forward to peace.”
When asked about ongoing efforts for negotiations, the Pope indicated that certain leaders remain in constant communication with him. Without naming individuals, he remarked, “Someone listens to me continuously. We pray and try to move ahead.” His comments came shortly after he had spent an hour greeting the faithful outside Villa Barberini, warmly interacting with the people who had gathered in the evening to bid him farewell.
During his second stay in Castel Gandolfo this summer, Pope Leo described the experience as “a blessing,” acknowledging the warm reception he received. He also visited the local shrine of Our Lady, recalling that St. Pope John Paul II had prayed there as well. “I hope to return soon,” the Pope added. Reflecting on his first hundred days as pontiff, he described them as “a blessing from God,” saying he was deeply grateful for the grace he had experienced and the welcome shown by the people.
On August 15, the Feast of the Assumption, Pope Leo celebrated Mass at St. Thomas of Villanova parish, near Villa Barberini. In his homily, he emphasized that Mary’s “yes” continues to live on in the courage of today’s martyrs and witnesses of justice, faith, and peace. Later, during the Angelus prayer, he urged Christians not to surrender to the “logic of conflict and arms,” but instead to work toward reconciliation and fraternity.
On August 17, the Pope presided over a special liturgy at Santa Maria della Rotonda in Albano, celebrated for the poor, homeless, and marginalized of the region. Addressing them, he called on Christians to “bring into the world not the fire of weapons or destructive words, but the fire of love humble, serving, gentle, and life-giving.”
He later visited a Caritas exhibition titled “Signs of Hope” before hosting a symbolic lunch with one hundred homeless and needy people at Borgo Laudato Si’. Breaking bread with them, the Pope stressed the importance of sharing meals as a sign of Christ’s living presence.
Before leaving Castel Gandolfo, Pope Leo made a private pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Mentorella in Guadagnolo, a historic Marian shrine in the Diocese of Palestrina. There, he prayed for world peace, lit a candle before the statue of the Virgin, and spent time with the Resurrectionist Fathers who manage the sanctuary.
Closing his visit, the Pope reaffirmed his mission to guide the Church with hope and gratitude: “I believe deeply in the Lord’s grace, and I thank you all.” His words rooted in faith, humility, and encouragement once again underscored his conviction that peace for Ukraine, and for the world, is possible if humanity works and prays together.