Pope Leo Denounces Political Nationalism and Calls for Reconciliation and Dialogue
Pope Leo XIV calls for global reconciliation and peace amid rising nationalism and ongoing conflicts during Pentecost mass at St. Peter’s Square.
Under the midday Roman sun, St. Peter’s Square was alive Sunday with a sea of faithful gathered to witness Pope Leo XIV deliver one of his most pointed homilies since ascending to the papacy. Addressing an audience numbering in the tens of thousands, the first American pontiff issued a clear call for reconciliation, firmly denouncing the rising tide of nationalist politics and the divisions they sow.
“Where there is love, there is no room for prejudice, for ‘security’ zones separating us from our neighbors, for the exclusionary mindset that, tragically, we now see emerging also in political nationalisms,” Pope Leo declared from the steps of St. Peter’s Basilica. Without naming specific nations or leaders, his words carried obvious resonance amid ongoing global debates over borders, migration, and identity. He urged the congregation, “Let us ask the Holy Spirit to break down barriers and tear down the walls of indifference and hatred.”
The pope’s message aligned seamlessly with the guiding principles he has set since his election. Emphasizing peace as a central pillar of his papacy, Leo XIV recalled his very first words as pope — “Peace be with you all.” Sunday’s Mass, celebrated on Pentecost, carried special significance, as the pope reflected on the overwhelming sense of loneliness and disconnection affecting people worldwide, echoing the sentiments of his predecessor, Pope Francis, who warned that society risks becoming “anaesthetized by indifference.”
Pope Leo’s homily also included a strong condemnation of ongoing wars. “Wars are plaguing our world,” he stated gravely, before praying for “the gift of peace” and specifically urging for reconciliation in all places afflicted by conflict. He stressed that peace must begin within: “First of all, peace in our hearts, for only a peaceful heart can spread peace in the family, society and international relations.”
Throughout his short tenure, Pope Leo XIV has consistently appealed for dialogue and unity, making high-profile pleas for a ceasefire in Gaza and a just peace in Ukraine. His stance has resonated with many Catholics and observers beyond the Church, who see in him a leader intent on returning the Catholic Church to its mission as a beacon for peace and global understanding. On Sunday, his words struck a chord: “Let us pray for reconciliation and dialogue wherever there is war in the world.”
The atmosphere in St. Peter’s Square reflected both celebration and earnestness. Pilgrims, clergy, and laypeople alike responded to the pope’s appeals with applause, their faces reflecting hope that his message of compassion and openness might inspire leaders around the globe. As Pope Leo XIV made his way through the throngs of worshippers, stopping to bless children and greet the faithful, the spirit of Pentecost — a day marked by unity amidst diversity — seemed palpable across the Vatican’s ancient colonnades.
