Addressing those who “guide the fate of peoples,” the Pope emphasized that true peace stems not from military victories but from “sowing justice and courageous forgiveness.”
Newsroom (14/10/2025, Gaudium Press ) In a stirring call for peace, Pope Leo XIV urged world leaders to “have the courage to disarm” during a prayer vigil for the Jubilee of Marian Spirituality in St. Peter’s Square on Saturday. Leading more than 30,000 pilgrims in the recitation of the Holy Rosary and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, the Holy Father dedicated the vigil to praying for the “gift of peace” in a world marred by conflict.
The gathering brought together rectors and volunteers from Marian shrines, alongside members of Marian movements, confraternities, and prayer groups, united in a shared commitment to peace. Reflecting on the words of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane—“Lay down your sword”—Pope Leo issued a powerful appeal for disarmament, declaring, “Peace is unarmed and disarming. It is not deterrence but fraternity; it is not an ultimatum, but dialogue.”
Addressing those who “guide the fate of peoples,” the Pope emphasized that true peace stems not from military victories but from “sowing justice and courageous forgiveness.” He called for a global shift in perspective, urging individuals and leaders alike to “disarm our hearts” and reject any justification for violence, stating, “Unless we have peace within ourselves, we cannot give it to others.”
A Call Rooted in Marian Spirituality
The Pope’s message was framed within the context of Marian spirituality, drawing inspiration from the Virgin Mary’s example in the Gospel. “During this Jubilee of Marian Spirituality, we believers turn our gaze to the Virgin Mary, who guides us on our pilgrimage of hope,” he said. He described authentic Marian devotion as the imitation of Mary’s “human and evangelical virtues,” encouraging the faithful to seek compassion for the suffering and all of creation.
Reflecting on Mary’s words at the Wedding at Cana—“Do whatever He tells you”—Pope Leo portrayed her as a “beacon” pointing to Jesus and His teachings. “Mary calls us to live the Gospel with determination and joy,” he said, noting that such a commitment transforms lives from “empty and dull to something full and vibrant.”
A Perspective of the Marginalized
In a challenge to global perspectives, Pope Leo called for a reorientation of how history and current events are viewed—not through the lens of the powerful, but from the vantage point of “the little ones,” including widows, orphans, strangers, and exiles. “Until we learn to do so, nothing will ever change, and a new era, a kingdom of justice and peace, will never dawn,” he warned.
Concluding his reflection, the Pope invoked the Beatitude, “Blessed are the peacemakers,” and prayed to Mary, the Queen of Peace, to guide humanity in listening to “the cry of the poor and of mother earth.” He called for a renewed commitment to Christian love, urging the faithful to reject selfishness and embrace all people as brothers and sisters in pursuit of Christ, “the true light of humanity.”
The vigil, marked by a profound sense of unity and prayer, underscored Pope Leo XIV’s ongoing mission to advocate for peace and justice, rooted in the Gospel and inspired by the humility and compassion of the Virgin Mary.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from Vatican News
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