Leo XIV: Authentic peace is built recognizing and assuming differences

Pope Leo XIV said that authentic peace “takes shape from reality”, when the differences and conflicts that lead “are not eliminated, but are recognized, assumed and crossed.”

“Dear brothers and sisters, Peace is with you! ”

The Pontiff thanked them for having given life to the meeting “Arena de Paz” in Verona, held in May 2024 and in which Pope Francis participated. Specifically, some 300 delegates representatives of associations and movements that participated in this event attended.

Among the groups and movements present in the Clementina room this Friday were: Mediterranea Human SavingReleases, the Italian network for peace and disarmament; the presidencies of Católic Action; Doctors without borders or the movement of focus.

The Holy Father recalled that, on that occasion, Francisco reiterated that the construction of peace begins by putting on the side of the victims, sharing their point of view.

This perspective, according to Leo XIV, “is essential to disarm hearts, looks, minds and denounce the injustices of a system that kills and is based on the culture of discard.”

The path to peace requires hearts and minds formed in attention to the other

He recalled in particular “the brave hug” among the Israeli Maoz Inon – whom Hamas killed his parents – and the Palestinian Aziz Sarah – whom the Israeli army killed his brother – both present at the audience of this Friday. “That gesture remains testimony and sign of hope,” he added.

“The path to peace requires trained hearts and minds formed in attention to the other and capable of recognizing the common good in the current context,” said the Pope next.

In addition, he said that the path that leads to peace is community and that “goes through the care of justice relations between all living beings.”

At a time like ours, “marked by speed and immediacy,” Leo XIV stressed the need to “meet those long times necessary for these processes to take place.”

In this context, he explained that “authentic peace takes shape from reality and in listening to it. Just for that reason we realize that this peace is possible when the differences and conflicts that entail are not eliminated, but are recognized, assumed and crossed,” he said.

For this reason, he urged the popular movements for peace to promote dialogue with all and to maintain “the creativity and genius that are born from the culture of peace”, with projects that at the same time give hope.

Non violence must characterize our decisions

The Holy Father regretted that “there is too much violence in the world,” reiterating that, before wars, terrorism, the trafficking of human beings and spreading aggressiveness, “boys and young people need experiences that educate the culture of life, dialogue, reciprocal respect.”

“First of all,” said the Pontiff, “witnesses of a different lifestyle, not violent.” Therefore, he said that the victims who reject revenge become “the most credible protagonists of non -violent peace construction processes.”

“Nonviolence as a method and as style should characterize our decisions, our relationships, our actions,” he said.

In addition, he proposed the gospel and social doctrine as the “constant food of this commitment” for Christians and also as “a compass” valid for all.

“Because it is, in effect, a task entrusted to all, believers and non -believers, that they must elaborate and do it through reflection and praxis inspired by the dignity of the person and in the common good,” he said.

In this way, he warned that peace is in the hands of all institutions and therefore invited to be present “within the mass of history as yeast of unity, communion, fraternity.”

“Fraternity needs to be discovered, loved, experienced, announced and testimated,” said members of the Peace Movement to act “with tenacity and patience.”