Vatican City: Pope Leo XIV has called on Catholics to strengthen the Church through unity, faith formation, and service, while warning that war and instability continue to devastate communities and force many Christians to leave their homelands.
Speaking on Thursday to participants in the plenary session of the Reunion of Aid Agencies for the Oriental Churches (ROACO), the Pope praised the organization's efforts to support the Eastern Catholic Churches, particularly through the education and formation of future priests, deacons, and religious leaders.
The Pope highlighted the unique spiritual heritage of the Eastern Catholic Churches and said their traditions continue to enrich the life of the universal Church. He noted that the Church remains united despite its diversity, with different rites, disciplines, and theological traditions contributing to its strength and vitality.
According to Pope Leo, the Eastern Churches play an important role in helping Catholics reconnect with the roots of the Christian faith. Their liturgical traditions, he said, continue to shine with the light of grace and offer valuable spiritual treasures to believers around the world.
At the same time, the Pope stressed that preserving these traditions requires continued investment in education and formation. He expressed appreciation for ROACO's commitment to helping fund seminaries and training programs for future Church leaders, saying that knowledge and charity must always go hand in hand.
He added that this mission also requires a strong spiritual foundation. Generosity alone is not enough, he said, and those serving the Church must be guided by God's grace and inspired by the Holy Spirit.
Turning to the situation facing many parts of the world, Pope Leo spoke strongly about the suffering caused by war and conflict. He contrasted the work of Church organizations that support life and hope with the actions of those who promote violence and destruction.
While charitable organizations work to help people in need, build dialogue, and create opportunities for peace, those who encourage conflict leave behind death, fear, and division, he said. The Pope lamented that enormous resources continue to be spent on warfare while many people struggle with poverty and hardship.
A major concern raised by the Pope was the continuing exodus of Eastern Christians from their ancestral lands. He said countless families have been forced to leave their homes because of war, creating tragedies that often receive little attention from the international community.
Pope Leo described instability as one of the most serious consequences of modern conflicts. Even after wars officially end, he said, many societies remain trapped by insecurity, weak institutions, armed groups, and outside influences that prevent genuine recovery and development.
Such conditions, he warned, create a cycle in which progress becomes difficult and opportunities for growth disappear. The burden of this instability falls most heavily on poor families, ordinary workers, and young people trying to build their future.
The Pope noted that uncertain economic conditions and fragile employment opportunities leave many families struggling to make ends meet. Young people, in particular, often face limited prospects, prompting many to seek opportunities elsewhere.
Concluding his address, Pope Leo urged people around the world to reflect on the far reaching effects of war and instability. Violence, he said, ultimately harms not only its victims but also those who promote it.
He called on believers to pray for peace and appealed to the conscience of humanity, urging leaders and societies to reject violence and restore respect for human dignity and civilized values.
"Let us pray to Jesus, the Lord of peace," the Pope said, expressing hope that a renewed commitment to humanity, dialogue, and justice can help heal societies wounded by conflict and build a more peaceful future for all.