Castel Gandolfo: In an evening conversation with journalists outside Villa Barberini in Castel Gandolfo, Pope Leo XIV touched on pressing global and ecclesial issues from the Gaza peace initiative proposed by former U.S. President Donald Trump to humanitarian concerns, nuclear rhetoric, Vatican legal proceedings, and Church debates in the United States.
Speaking about the 20-point peace plan for Gaza, which has gained the backing of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the Pontiff described the proposal as “realistic” and urged Hamas to consider it seriously. “We hope they accept it; so far it seems a realistic proposal,” he said, noting that the ceasefire clauses and the call for the release of hostages are “very interesting elements.” He underscored that peace in Gaza is urgent and that time is running short for a resolution.
The Pope also addressed the flotilla approaching Gaza to deliver humanitarian aid, warning of the delicate balance between aid and conflict. “There is a desire to respond to a real humanitarian emergency,” he remarked, adding his hope that the situation unfolds peacefully: “We hope there is no violence and that people are respected.”
Turning to global security, Pope Leo XIV expressed alarm at language emerging from Washington. U.S. Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth recently held talks with military leaders on potential wartime scenarios, including nuclear strategies, amid Trump’s decision to rename the Pentagon from the Department of Defence to the “Department of War.” The Holy Father responded soberly: “This way of speaking is worrying. We hope it is just rhetoric.” He warned that such rhetoric risks normalizing force as a tool of diplomacy, stressing: “We must work for peace not for war.”
On internal Church matters, the Pope addressed questions about the ongoing Vatican trial regarding the management of Holy See funds. He firmly stated that the judicial process must take its course without papal interference. “It must proceed. I do not intend to interfere,” he said, leaving the matter to the judges and lawyers entrusted with it.
When asked in English about criticism surrounding Cardinal Blaise Cupich’s decision to honor Democratic Senator Dick Durbin, a longtime supporter of legalized abortion, the Pope acknowledged the complexity of the debate. “I’m not very familiar with the particular case,” he admitted, before highlighting the importance of evaluating a leader’s full body of work. He cautioned against narrowing Catholic social teaching to single issues: “Saying ‘I am against abortion’ while supporting the death penalty is not truly pro-life, nor is agreeing with the inhumane treatment of immigrants.”
The Pope urged Catholics to seek balance and dialogue: “We need to look closely at all these ethical issues and find the way forward as a Church. Church teaching on each of these issues is very clear, but what we need is greater mutual respect.”
Concluding his evening remarks, the Pope departed Castel Gandolfo by car around 8:30 p.m., returning to the Vatican after his General Audience. Tomorrow, he will meet over 400 religious leaders at the Mariapoli Centre of the Focolare Movement for the international gathering Raising Hope for Climate Justice. Marking the tenth anniversary of Pope Francis’ encyclical Laudato si’, Pope Leo XIV will preside over a “Celebration of Hope” with climate experts, civil society representatives, and international delegates.
The Pope’s words at Castel Gandolfo reveal his dual focus: urging peace in a volatile Middle East while guiding the Church to confront its internal challenges with faith, justice, and respect.