Pope Leo Calls for Peace as Vatican Seeks Better Ties With U.S.

Pope Leo urged world leaders to reduce global tensions and reject violence during a public address marking his first anniversary as head of the Catholic Church. Speaking in Pompei, near Naples in southern Italy, the pontiff called on worshippers to pray for peace and for governments to turn away from hatred and conflict.

The pope’s remarks came just one day after he met U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the Vatican amid growing tensions between the Holy See and the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump. Pope Leo has recently criticized the Iran war, drawing backlash from Trump on social media.

During his speech in Pompei, Pope Leo asked God to inspire leaders by “calming rancour and fratricidal hatreds” and guiding those responsible for governing nations. The pope warned that world peace is under threat due to rising international tensions and an economy that prioritizes the arms trade over human life.

Leo, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost, became the first American pope after being elected on May 8, 2025, following the death of Pope Francis. Before becoming pope, Prevost spent decades serving as a missionary and bishop in Peru.

Although he maintained a relatively low profile during the early months of his papacy, Pope Leo has recently spoken more strongly against war, authoritarianism, and violence. He also encouraged people not to become desensitized to the daily images of death shown in the media.

Later in Naples, the pope praised local organizations helping refugees arriving in Italy from Gaza. He encouraged residents to continue promoting a “culture of peace” and reject confrontation and military force as solutions to global conflicts.

The Vatican said Leo and Rubio discussed improving relations between the United States and the Holy See, signaling efforts to ease diplomatic tensions.