Pope Leo XIV urges prayers for war victims as he warns against expecting spectacular divine intervention

· Society VAT
This story has developed since this wire. Read the latest wire

Pope Leo XIV called on Catholics not to forget those suffering and dying in conflicts around the world, saying he continues to follow with apprehension the situation in countries torn by war and violence.

Speaking on Sunday after reciting the Angelus prayer from the Piazza della Libertà in Castel Gandolfo, the pontiff urged believers to pair their commitment to peace with constant prayer. He cautioned against expecting a God who intervenes spectacularly and rejected associating the Church with an image of triumph demanding power and force. Before the address, the Pope toured the crowd in a golf cart as pilgrims waved flags of Ukraine, Brazil, and Spain.

Leo XIV is resting at the papal summer residence until 27 July.

Story development

  1. Pope Leo XIV urges Middle East ceasefire and dialogue as violence escalates
  2. Pope Leo XIV urges prayers for war victims as he warns against expecting spectacular divine intervention

Related stories