After Meeting Rubio, Leo XIV Calls for End to Violence

On the first anniversary of his pontificate, Pope Leo XIV called on world leaders to reduce global tensions and turn away from violence. During a visit to Pompeii, Italy, he asked the faithful to pray for an easing of conflicts and a reduction in hatred.

In his address, the head of the Catholic Church spoke of the need for reconciliation and expressed concern about international tensions and the growing focus on the arms trade. “We cannot resign ourselves to the images of death that the news shows us every day”, Leo XIV said.

The remarks came a day after his meeting with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the Vatican. The talks took place against a backdrop of strained relations between the Vatican and the administration of US President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly criticized the Pope over his comments on the war in Iran.

After the meeting, the Vatican said both sides were committed to improving relations. The US embassy to the Holy See said the talks covered issues of common interest in the Western Hemisphere.

Leo XIV, born Robert Prevost, became Pope on 8 May 2025 as the successor to Pope Francis. Before his election, the first American pope served for many years as a missionary and bishop in Peru.

(reuters, max)