At the Sunday Angelus in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Leo XIV addressed the faithful with a strong appeal for peace and for the moral responsibility of world leaders. He reminded all nations that war is never an acceptable means of resolving disputes, especially in light of the recent commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The Pope urged those in positions of authority to consider the human cost of their decisions and to give priority to the needs of the most vulnerable, affirming that the longing for peace is written in every human heart. He called on Catholics everywhere to persevere in prayer for the end of all armed conflicts.

Turning to a development that has given many renewed hope, Pope Leo lauded the peace agreement between Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. He described the accord as a significant step toward a lasting peace in the South Caucasus and encouraged both nations to remain steadfast in their commitment to reconciliation. The Pope acknowledged that true peace requires more than signatures on a page: it demands trust, patience, and the sustained goodwill of all involved.

While rejoicing in this sign of progress, the Holy Father also expressed deep sorrow over the continuing crisis in Haiti. He lamented the suffering of its people, who are enduring widespread violence, human trafficking, forced displacement, and kidnappings. Describing the nation as “increasingly overwhelmed by despair,” Pope Leo called for the immediate release of all hostages and urged the international community to take concrete action to restore security and social stability. He stressed that the Haitian people deserve the conditions necessary to live with dignity and peace.

In both cases, the Pope’s message was consistent: peace is not merely the absence of conflict, but the fruit of justice, mutual respect, and a willingness to serve the common good. He challenged leaders to act not out of political convenience but out of genuine concern for human life.

From the peace efforts in the South Caucasus to the struggles in the Caribbean, Pope Leo reminded the Church and the world that no conflict is too distant to warrant our concern. He called for sustained prayer, international cooperation, and concrete acts of charity as the essential tools for building a future where violence no longer dictates the fate of nations. The Pope’s appeal was both a celebration of hope and a sobering reminder that the work of peace is far from complete.