VATICAN CITY (AP) 鈥� criticized the surge of nationalist political movements in the world as he prayed Sunday for reconciliation and dialogue 鈥� a to make the Catholic Church a symbol of peace.
The pope celebrated Sunday Mass in St. Peter鈥檚 Square in front of tens of thousands faithful, and asked the Holy Spirit to 鈥渂reak down barriers and tear down the walls of indifference and hatred.鈥�
鈥淲here there is love, there is no room for prejudice, for 鈥榮ecurity鈥� zones separating us from our neighbors, for the exclusionary mindset that, tragically, we now see emerging also in political nationalisms,鈥� said.
He did not name any specific country or politician.
Leo also recalled the words of late , who 鈥� on the feast of Pentecost in May 2023 鈥� observed that in our world 鈥渨e are all connected, yet find ourselves disconnected from one another, anaesthetized by indifference and overwhelmed by solitude.鈥�
The pope also condemned wars, which 鈥渁re plaguing our world,鈥� and asked the Holy Spirit for 鈥渢he gift of peace.鈥�
鈥淔irst of all, peace in our hearts, for only a peaceful heart can spread peace in the family, society and international relations,鈥� Leo said, then prayed for reconciliation and dialogue wherever there is war in the world.
Soon after becoming pope, Leo pledged to work for unity and peace. His first message, 鈥淧eace be with you all,鈥� set the importance of peace as a pillar of his papacy.
He has also appealed for a genuine and just .
The Associated Press
