🕒 Created · Updated

Pope Leo XIV calls for a civilization of love to counter a culture of confrontation and militarization

Pope Leo XIV issued a strong appeal for mercy and peace during a visit to San Marino and the Italian city of Rimini. Addressing thousands of people, Pope Leo XIV warned against a modern culture that "rearms minds, words and nations," urging Christians to respond with dialogue and friendship rather than confrontation. In Rimini, the pontiff highlighted love as the dynamic force capable of transforming the world. He emphasized that human dignity must come before political and ideological divisions, stating that "enemies" do not exist, as even adversaries are brothers to be encountered in truth. He specifically encouraged young Catholics to view the future as a promise rather than a threat, urging them to engage with society to build a "civilization of love." Earlier in San Marino, Pope Leo XIV praised the republic's legacy of freedom and mutual respect. He called for public life to uphold the dignity of every human person from conception to natural death, a traditional Catholic stance on human life. The pontiff concluded by urging believers to free work from the "idolatry of profit" and to disarm invasive technological development.

Sources