During the Angelus at the Vatican, the pontiff called for reconciliation and forgiveness after two years of war in the Middle East. He also addressed the conflicts in Ukraine and the political situation in Peru.

Before the Angelus prayer this Sunday, Pope Leo XIV praised the beginning of the peace process in Gaza and called for respect for"the legitimate aspirations of the Israeli and Palestinian peoples." In a message filled with hope, he urged healing from the wounds caused by two years of fighting, marked by devastation and grief for thousands of families.

“Two years of war have left death and ruin everywhere, especially in the hearts of those who brutally lost their children, parents, or friends. With the whole Church, I am close to your pain. God gives his usual caress,” the pontiff said from St. Peter's Square, before a crowd of faithful.

Leo XIV called for reconciliation as the only possible path to restoring peace."We ask God, humanity's only peace, to heal all wounds and to help with his grace accomplish what now seems humanly impossible: to discover that the other is not an enemy, but a brother to whom we may look, forgive, and offer hope," he said.

The message comes amid a context of diplomatic progress in the Middle East, following months of efforts driven by the international community. The Holy See has repeatedly expressed its concern about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the deterioration of dialogue between Israelis and Palestinians.

During his address, the Pope also referred to other conflict zones, particularly Ukraine, where he lamented the recent bombings of civilian areas."With pain, I follow the news of new attacks that have caused the deaths of innocent people, including many children, leaving families without electricity or heating," he said.

Leo XIV renewed his call to the authorities and the international community to"open themselves to dialogue and put an end to the destruction." "My heart goes out to the suffering of the population who have been living in anguish and deprivation for years. I renew the call to put an end to the destruction, to open themselves to dialogue and peace," he added firmly.

In another section of his message, he addressed the Peruvian people, expressing his closeness to them"at this time of political transition." Leo XIV, who holds Peruvian citizenship and was prefect of the Augustinian Recollects before assuming the papacy, hoped that the country"may continue on the path of reconciliation, dialogue, and national unity."

The pontiff also remembered the victims of recent workplace accidents in northern Italy."Let us pray for them and for the safety of all workers," he said.

In closing, he entrusted to the Virgin"all humanity" and especially "the children tormented by the scourge of war." In a serene tone, he implored"the gift of peace that we so often pray for" and blessed the crowd gathered in the square.

Pope Leo XIV's Sunday message reaffirmed the Vatican's role as a moral and spiritual mediator in international conflicts."Peace is not imposed," the pontiff recalled,"it is built on mercy, justice, and shared memory."

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