Pope says ‘there is no such thing as a holy war' in message to religious leaders

In a poignant video message delivered from his recovery, Pope Leo XIV declared with unwavering conviction that 'there is no such thing as a holy war,' a powerful statement resonating across a world grappling with escalating conflicts. His words, spoken as he recuperates from recent lung cancer surgery, underscore both his personal vulnerability and his steadfast commitment to global peace. This profound declaration comes as the American pontiff denounced the "troubling revival of war as an instrument of international politics" and the dangerous religious justifications often employed by leaders, emphasizing that only peace can truly be considered sacred.

A Pontiff's Plea for Peace Amidst Recovery

Pope Leo XIV, still recovering from an Oct. 13 lung cancer surgery that confirmed a diagnosis of pulmonary adenocarcinoma, delivered his message to a significant gathering of religious leaders in Assisi, Italy. The American pope had originally planned to preside over the event in person, but doctors advised against travel, leading him to send a videotaped address instead. His presence, even virtually, underscored the gravity of his message: "Only peace is holy."

The gathering in Assisi, the revered birthplace of St. Francis, marked the 40th anniversary of a landmark interfaith peace meeting initiated by St. John Paul II. This historic encounter, once controversial for bringing together leaders of diverse faiths in prayer, has since inspired a global movement of interreligious dialogue and peace initiatives. Pope Leo XIV’s address continued this legacy, reinforcing the urgent need for unity and understanding in an increasingly fractured world.

Addressing a diverse assembly that included the Archbishop of Canterbury Sarah Mullally, the spiritual leader of the worldwide Anglican Communion, alongside Muslim, Buddhist, and other Christian leaders, Pope Leo XIV was unequivocal. He condemned the misuse of faith to fuel conflict, stating, "War can never be waged in the name of God." His message was a direct challenge to those who pervert religious texts and traditions to justify violence, urging humanity to "rebuild peace everywhere, not prepare for more wars."

Rejecting Religious Justifications for Conflict

The Pope’s stern rebuke comes at a time when religious justifications for war are alarmingly prevalent. He specifically denounced leaders who invoke faith to rationalize aggression, a practice he has consistently rejected as a perversion of religion itself. For instance, Russia’s Orthodox Church has controversially framed Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as a “holy war” against a Western world it deems to have fallen into evil. Similarly, leaders on various sides of the ongoing Iran conflict have utilized religious rhetoric to justify their actions.

Even within the United States, such rhetoric has surfaced, with officials like Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth invoking Christian faith to portray conflicts as a struggle by a Christian nation against its adversaries. Pope Leo XIV has long countered such narratives, most stridently in his first encyclical, “Magnificent Humanity,” where he asserted that fighting in the name of religion "means attacking religion itself." This consistent stance highlights a core tenet of authentic faith: that true devotion calls for compassion, reconciliation, and the sanctity of human life, not its destruction. For families and communities striving for stability and moral clarity, this message provides a vital anchor.

A Global Call for Compassion and Unity

The Pope’s message extends beyond mere words, manifesting in tangible humanitarian efforts. As he spoke from Rome, the Vatican was accelerating its aid initiatives for Ukraine, particularly following the implementation of a localized cease-fire in the devastated southern Ukrainian city of Oleshky. Monsignor Luis Marín de San Martín, the Pope’s chief almsgiver, embarked on a three-day visit to Ukraine, personally delivering several trucks laden with essential winter clothes, blankets, and food to Kyiv for distribution to those in desperate need.

Monsignor Marín de San Martín’s itinerary included visits to Kyiv, Zaporizhzhia, Dnipro, and Fastiv, with a clear mission. He expressed a desire to "understand directly the needs and meet with the local people, real people, real faces." More profoundly, he aimed to convey "the Holy Father’s concern and tender care," assuring the suffering that "In their suffering, they are not alone." This direct, compassionate outreach exemplifies the Vatican's commitment to practical aid, reflecting the very heart of Christian charity and demonstrating how faith can inspire profound acts of service.

Local Echoes, Global Reach: Building Peace in Our Communities

The Pope's calls for peace and humanitarian action resonate deeply within our own diverse communities, including here in Chicago. Our city, a vibrant tapestry of faiths and cultures, thrives on interfaith dialogue and mutual respect. The message that religion should never be a pretext for war encourages us all to strengthen the bonds that unite us, fostering understanding and collective action against violence. It reminds us that global events have local impacts, influencing how we build strong, committed communities and support intact families.

The Vatican's humanitarian initiatives in Ukraine also highlight the universal call to care for our neighbors, near and far. Pope Leo XIV himself initiated a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Oct. 16, from his hospital bed, appealing for a cease-fire in Oleshky and the safe delivery of aid. Three days later, back at the Vatican, he spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, reiterating his hopes for cooperation to ensure aid delivery and safe evacuations. These diplomatic efforts, following Cardinal Matteo Zuppi’s third mission to Moscow on Sept. 30, underscore a persistent, faith-driven pursuit of peace.

For residents of Chicago and Cook County, understanding these global calls for peace and unity is crucial. Our local institutions, from the Archdiocese of Chicago to various interfaith councils, actively work to bridge divides and promote understanding. The Pope's message serves as a powerful reminder that true strength lies not in conflict, but in compassion and collaboration. Resources for community engagement and support can be found through the City of Chicago Official Website and Cook County Government, which offer numerous avenues for civic participation and aid.

Supporting Health and Well-being

The Pope’s personal health journey also brings into focus the importance of health awareness and support within our communities. His recovery from pulmonary adenocarcinoma underscores the reality of cancer’s impact on individuals and families worldwide. Resources like the Illinois Department of Public Health’s cancer information provide vital guidance for prevention, early detection, and support for those battling the disease. Ensuring access to healthcare and promoting well-being are fundamental aspects of building resilient communities, allowing families to thrive and contribute positively to society.

As we look forward, Pope Leo XIV’s message serves as a beacon of hope and a call to action. It challenges us to reflect on our own roles in fostering peace, whether through local interfaith initiatives, supporting humanitarian efforts, or simply promoting understanding and kindness in our daily lives. The vision of a world where faith unites rather than divides, where compassion triumphs over conflict, is one that resonates deeply with the values that build strong families and enduring communities. It is a vision worth striving for, guided by the principle that peace, above all else, is holy.