POPE APPEALS TO TRUMP AND WORLD LEADERS: FIND SOLUTIONS TO END WAR

 Pope appeals to Trump and world leaders: Find solutions to end war

In remarks to journalists, Pope Leo XIV calls on world leaders to “come back to the table” and solve their problems through dialogue.

Vatican News

“I'm told that President Trump recently stated that he would like to end the war. Hopefully he's looking for an 'off-ramp'. Hopefully he's looking for a way to decrease the amount of violence, of bombing, which would be a significant contribution to removing the hatred that's being created and that's increasing constantly in the Middle East and elsewhere.”

Just days before Easter, Pope Leo XIV has renewed his appeal for peace in a world wounded by conflict and violence.

In remarks to journalists this evening, March 31, in Castel Gandolfo, Pope Leo addressed all world leaders, urging them: “Come back to the table, to dialogue. Let's look for solutions to problems, let's look for ways to reduce the amount of violence that we're promoting, that peace - especially at Easter - might reign in our hearts."

An Easter truce

Easter, the Pope reminded his listeners, “should be the holiest, most sacred time of the year. It is a time of peace, a time for much reflection, but as we all know, once again in the world, in so many places, we are seeing so much suffering, so many deaths, even innocent children.”

“We make continuous appeals for peace, but unfortunately many people want to promote hatred and violence, war,” the Pope emphasised. For this reason, he asked everyone, “especially Christians,” to “live these days recognising that Christ is still crucified today, that Christ still suffers today in the innocent, especially those who are suffering from violence, hatred, and war.”

“Let us pray for them, for the victims of war, let us pray that there may truly be a new, renewed peace, which can give new life to all,” Pope Leo urged. In response to questions from reporters, he also expressed his hope that a truce might be observed for Easter.

Good Friday Stations of the Cross

The Pope was also asked about his decision, announced today, to personally carry the Cross during the traditional Friday Stations of the Cross at the Colosseum.

“I think,” Leo XIV responded, “it will be an important sign because of what the Pope represents: a spiritual leader in today’s world, a voice to say that Christ still suffers. And I carry all these sufferings in my prayers as well.”

He renewed his appeal to “all people of goodwill, to people of faith, to walk together, to walk with Christ who suffered for us, to give us salvation, and to seek to be bearers of peace ourselves.”

Upcoming visit to Spain

Before greeting the large crowd present, including the mayor of Albano, the Pope was asked what he expects from his upcoming visit to Spain in June.

“Faith, much love, hospitality, and a warm welcome,” he said.

“I have been visiting Spain for over 40 years and have always found a people of great faith and goodwill,” the Pope added, expressing his hope that “we can celebrate all of this during this visit as well.”

 

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2026-03/pope-trump-world-leaders-war-castel-gandolfo.html