Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV on Wednesday urged people around the world to pray for peace and for unity among Christians, warning that the present moment in history is marked by war and a growing loss of respect for human dignity.
Speaking during his General Audience in the Paul VI Hall at the Vatican, the Pope said the world is facing a troubling return to violence and disregard for the value of human life. He invited the faithful to place their hope in Jesus and to seek paths of justice and reconciliation.
Addressing Portuguese speaking pilgrims, Pope Leo prayed that the humanity of Jesus, who reveals the Father, may guide humanity toward peace and understanding. He also encouraged prayers for Christian unity, especially during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity being observed from January 18 to 25.
Recalling that Jesus prayed for unity among His disciples before His Passion, the Pope told German speaking pilgrims that Christians should pray together so that all followers of Christ may be united, allowing the world to believe in Him and in His message.
Referring to this year’s theme for the Week of Prayer, drawn from the Letter to the Ephesians, Pope Leo encouraged Christians to ask the Lord for the gift of the Holy Spirit. He said this gift can help Christians overcome divisions and build strong bonds of unity among Churches across the world.
Earlier in the week, during his Sunday Angelus address, Pope had already called on Catholic communities everywhere to intensify their prayers for the full and visible unity of all Christians.
Continuing a long standing tradition, Pope Leo XIV will preside over the celebration of Vespers on the Solemnity of the Conversion of Saint Paul. The prayer service will take place at 5.30 pm at the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls.