To mark the end of the Marian month of May, Pope Leo XIV led thousands of faithful in praying the Rosary for peace at the Grotto of Lourdes in the Vatican Gardens, urging Christians worldwide to become active peacemakers in a world troubled by violence, war and division.
The prayer gathering, attended by about 2,000 pilgrims and linked to Marian shrines around the world, focused particularly on people suffering in conflict zones.
Reflecting on Psalm 85:8, the Pope said humanity desperately needs hope in the face of growing violence and uncertainty.
He called on believers to open their hearts to God’s word through prayer, allowing them to understand the events of history and recognize God’s providence at work even amid suffering.
Mary as a Model of Faith
The Pontiff described the Blessed Virgin Mary as the perfect example of a believer who listens attentively to God.
Through her obedience and acceptance of God’s will, she became the mother of Jesus Christ.
According to Pope Leo, meditating on the Rosary with Mary helps Christians recognize Jesus as the Father’s final word to humanity, a message of peace, mercy and reconciliation.
He explained that God never abandons His people, even when they stray from Him.
Peace Is a Daily Commitment
The Pope emphasized that peace is neither an abstract theory nor a naïve dream. Instead, it is a daily responsibility rooted in justice, love and genuine concern for others.
“Peace becomes possible when we choose to listen to the cry of those deprived of it,” he said, referring to innocent children, grieving parents, abused prisoners, refugees and countless victims of conflict around the world.
He noted that these suffering people share one common plea: peace.
Christ, the Face of Peace
Pope Leo reminded the faithful that peace is ultimately a gift from God and finds its fullest expression in Jesus Christ.
He said Christ breaks down walls of hostility, overcomes arrogance through humility and redeems humanity from sin.
When people live as true disciples of Christ, the Holy Spirit enables them to achieve what seems humanly impossible.
Conversely, he warned that distancing oneself from God often leads to indifference toward the pain and struggles of others.
Reject Violence, Even Online
The Pope called on everyone to take responsibility for building peace in everyday life, beginning with small but meaningful actions.
He urged people to reject all forms of verbal and physical violence, including hostility on social media platforms.
True peace, he said, starts in the human heart and is reflected in words of reconciliation, gentleness and wisdom.
“The strength of truth and love,” he added, is the foundation of lasting peace.
A Call to Become Peacemakers
Concluding his address, Pope Leo said God continually seeks men and women willing to become instruments of peace.
Entrusting the world to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, he prayed that Christians would respond daily to God’s call not merely with words but through concrete actions that promote justice, truth and reconciliation.
He also appealed for an end to wars, forced displacement and the pursuit of power through violence, insisting that every individual has a role to play in creating a more peaceful world.
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