Pope Leo XIV delivered a powerful message on January 1, 2024, emphasizing the necessity of peace while condemning the irrationality of nuclear deterrence and the use of faith to justify violence. This declaration was part of his inaugural peace message, an annual tradition by the Vatican to coincide with the Catholic Church’s World Day of Peace.
In his address, which was unveiled during a press conference in Vatican City, the Pope recalled his first words as pontiff on May 8, 2023: “Peace be with you.” He urged believers from all faiths to reject the normalization of fear and darkness, asserting that peace is not only attainable but essential in today’s world.
The Pope expressed deep concern over how economic interests are driving nations toward military advancements, particularly those influenced by artificial intelligence. He described the current climate as one where the “irrationality” of military deterrence is prevalent, calling for a collective resistance to the temptation of weaponizing religious language for violent ends.
“Unfortunately, it has become increasingly common to drag the language of faith into political battles, to bless nationalism, and to justify violence and armed struggle in the name of religion,” he stated. This poignant remark reflects his belief that faith should be a unifying force rather than a catalyst for division.
To further emphasize the repercussions of war and political violence, the Vatican hosted two individuals who shared harrowing personal accounts of historical traumas. Maria Agnese Moro, the daughter of former Italian Premier Aldo Moro, recounted her experience with restorative justice following her father’s kidnapping and murder by the Red Brigades in 1978.
Moro described a transformative dialogue she had with members of the Red Brigades fifteen years ago, highlighting the importance of mutual recognition of pain. She stated, “Every word I say hurts them, but it recognizes their humanity,” illustrating how dialogue can bridge divides created by violence.
Similarly, Rev Pero Miličević, a Croatian Catholic priest, recounted the attack on his village in 1993 by a Muslim unit of the Bosnian army, which resulted in the deaths of 39 people, including several of his family members. He shared how his faith sustained him and his family through their ordeal, underscoring the role of belief in fostering peace and forgiveness.
Miličević reflected on the impact of his faith, saying, “Precisely that education in faith in God helped us to overcome the horrors of what we witnessed.” His testimony reinforced the Pope’s call for a faith that promotes peace rather than conflict.
The message was made available in multiple languages, including Russian and Ukrainian, in recognition of the ongoing conflict involving Moscow. Pope Leo XIV’s remarks resonate strongly in today’s global context, highlighting the urgent need for dialogue, understanding, and a commitment to peace in a world often marked by fear and division.
