Pompei, Italy. Pope Leo called on worshippers to pray that God would inspire world leaders to calm global tensions and reduce hatred, marking his first anniversary as head of the Catholic Church. The appeal came a day after he met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the Vatican.
Anniversary message in Pompei
In a visit to Pompei, a modern city about 245 km (152 miles) south of Rome near the famed ruins of a volcanic eruption, Leo said he would join prayers that God would begin “touching hearts, calming rancour and fratricidal hatreds, and enlightening those who have special responsibilities of government”.
He asked worshippers on Friday to pray that global governments would turn away from violence.
Meeting with Rubio amid tensions with Washington
Leo, the first US pope, held talks with Rubio on Thursday amid tension with Washington, as US President Donald Trump has repeatedly disparaged the pontiff on social media after Leo criticized the Iran war.
The Vatican said afterwards that the two had pledged to improve their bilateral relations, which insiders described as an unusual recognition of unprecedented tensions.
The US embassy to the Holy See said on X after the meeting that Leo and Rubio had discussed “topics of mutual interest in the Western Hemisphere”.
Background and recent statements
Leo, the former Cardinal Robert Prevost, was elected by the world’s cardinals to succeed the late Pope Francis as leader of the 1.4-billion-member Church on May 8, 2025.
Prevost spent decades as a missionary and a bishop in Peru before becoming pope and kept a relatively low profile in his first ten months, but has spoken forcefully against war and despotism in recent weeks.
Warning on economy and the arms trade
Addressing thousands in Pompei’s main square on Friday, Leo said world peace is “endangered by international tensions and by an economy that prefers the arms trade to respect for human life”.
He urged people not to become accustomed to war.
What role do you think religious leaders should play in urging governments to reduce international tensions?
