Before leaving Castel Gandolfo this evening, Pope Leo XIV stopped to talk to some journalists, and answered some questions on international current affairs.
Newsroom (23/07/2025, Gaudium Press ) Pope Leo XIV concluded his 16-day stay at his summer residence in Castel Gandolfo on Wednesday evening, returning to the Vatican shortly before 9 p.m. Before departing, the pontiff engaged with journalists, addressing pressing international issues and reaffirming the Church’s commitment to peace.
“We must encourage everyone to leave weapons behind, and to leave behind the money-making that is behind every war,” Pope Leo declared, condemning the arms trade and its role in global conflicts. His remarks came in response to questions about his potential travel to war-torn regions, such as Gaza.
The Pope acknowledged his desire to visit such areas but cautioned that physical presence is not always the solution. “There are many places where I personally would like to go, but this is not necessarily the formula for finding an answer,” he said. Instead, he emphasized the need to uphold human dignity across all faiths. “Many times, with the arms trade, people become just tools without any value,” he noted. “We must constantly insist on the dignity of every human being—Christian, Muslim, people of every religion. We are all God’s children, created in God’s image.”
Reflecting on his time in Castel Gandolfo, Pope Leo described it as a “working holiday,” during which he remained engaged with global events. “I was able to have a change of scene,” he said, adding that he “never stopped following” current affairs. He expressed gratitude for the Church’s enduring influence, stating, “Thank God the voice of the Church is still important. Let us continue to promote peace.”
The Pope’s remarks underscore his ongoing advocacy for nonviolence and human dignity, themes central to his papacy. As he returned to the Vatican, his call for disarmament and unity resonated as a challenge to world leaders and individuals alike.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from Vatican News
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