Papa Leo released a video message calling on world leaders to reject war and pursue peace, offering a prayer for nations to abandon violence and conflict.
The message was shared on Thursday, March 5, as global tensions intensified during the ongoing US-Israeli military campaign against Iran, which had entered its sixth day.
Prayer for disarmament and peace
In the video message, the Pope prayed for world leaders to choose peace over violence.
“Lord, enlighten the leaders of the nations, so they may have the courage to abandon projects of death,” the pontiff said in his appeal.
The message forms part of the Pope’s monthly prayer intention, a tradition where the pontiff invites Catholics worldwide to unite in prayer for a particular cause.
For March 2026, Pope Leo’s prayer intention focuses on “disarmament and peace.”
Vatican raises concern over conflict
The Pope’s appeal came amid growing concern in the Vatican about the escalation of violence in the Middle East.
The Vatican’s top diplomat also warned that the ongoing US-Israeli strikes undermine international law, stating that nations do not have the right to launch “preventive wars.”
The unusually direct statement reflects the Holy See’s concern about the humanitarian and geopolitical consequences of the conflict.
Global call for peace
Through the video message, the Pope urged believers across the world to pray for peace and for leaders to seek dialogue and reconciliation instead of warfare.
The message was shared through the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network, encouraging Catholics and people of goodwill to unite in prayer for peace, disarmament, and global harmony.